Ned Prothro Clay passed away peacefully on January 7, 2019. He was born on February 18, 1921 to Clarence Edward and Inez Wimberly Clay in St. Matthews, S.C. He moved to Greenville in 1934 and graduated from Greenville High School in 1937. He attended Clemson College for 2 years before studying Pharmacy at MUSC in Charleston. He graduated with honors in 1943 receiving the Merck Award. He entered the military that same year serving in the Army Medical Corps attached to the Fifth Air Force Battalion. He served in the Pacific Theater for three years stationed much of that time in New Guinea.
Upon his return from World War II, he and his brother, Wim, opened Clay Brothers Drug Store and Peoples Pharmacy which they operated for 49 years. His compassion for others was evident in every aspect of his life. He was active in the 13th District Pharmaceutical Association, serving as its president during the 70’s. He also served on the Board of Governors for the South Carolina Pharmaceutical Association. Throughout his fifty years as a pharmacist he was a role model to young pharmacists throughout the State. In 1997 he was presented with a life membership in the South Carolina Pharmaceutical Association.
He was a long time active member of First Baptist Church Greenville serving as an usher and fifth grade Sunday School teacher for over 20 years.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marie Sparks Clay, two children, Marie Hall (Skip) of Greenville, and Ned “Buddy” Clay (Marianne) of Greenville, and five grandchildren: Clay and Preston Hall and Dylan, Grayson and Walker Clay. He was predeceased by three brothers, Clarence Edward Clay, Edward Wimberly Clay and Robert Allen Clay. The family would like to thank Jack Logan for his kind caregiving during the last three years.
There will be a private family internment on Friday, January 11 followed by a memorial service at Mackey Mortuary Chapel, 311 Century Dr., at noon. The family invites friends to join them for a celebration of Ned’s life at the Augusta Grill following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Miracle Hill Industries, P.O. Box 2546, Greenville, SC 29602 or United Ministries, 606 Pendleton St., Greenville, SC 29601 or to the charity of one’s choice.
