Thomas Joseph Clay

Born July 9th, 1961 at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston, Texas, Tom was the youngest of nine siblings. Known as "Little Tommy", he was a loving brother and son and delighted to show up for his brothers and sisters and always lend a helping hand. As he matured into a young adult, while attending Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Tom met the love of his life, Leslie. From the moment they met, he was instantly and fiercely devoted to her. The two were married in 1984 at the Chapel by the Sea on South Padre Island. Though they began their married life in Austin, where their three children were born, the family relocated to the Rio Grande Valley in 1995, a place that will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Tom thrived in the Valley. He cherished bird hunting at his in-laws’ Bob & Merry Lynn’s property, Shuckman Farms, where the motto was, “If it flies, it dies.” He delighted in harvesting and delivering the sweetest oranges and most delicious grapefruits to family, friends, and customers across Texas. Trips across the border to Progreso and Matamoros were always a favorite, filled with shopping, good food, and the best of times.

In 2001, the family returned to the Houston area, where the Clay home quickly became a hub of hospitality. Known for its warm welcome, good food, and open doors, their home was rooted in faith, family, and fellowship. Tom and Leslie poured their time and energy into their church community at Sagemont, hosting Bible studies, Journey groups, preparing for camps, and mentoring young people. Tom had a gift for guiding and encouraging young men, supporting them as if they were his own children in whatever they strove towards.

Tom was impossibly generous; he lived to serve those around him, not only as a devoted father and husband, but as a proud State Farm agent for 35 years. Over the decades, Tom spent hundreds of thousands of hours with his clients, building relationships that went far beyond business. He cultivated lifelong friendships, always ready to drop what he was doing to help someone in need, protect their family, or offer guidance. He loved meeting with clients, but more than that, he truly loved helping people, whether it was through their insurance needs or simply by offering a listening ear. Everyone who stopped by his office was greeted with warm cookies and a cold bottle of water, or even a case to take home (you can never be over prepared). No one ever left his office empty-handed.

His accomplishments made it possible for him and his family to experience numerous vacations around the world, taking them to places like Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Panama Canal, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland and Greece. Tom traveled to Nepal to support missionary efforts, expanding his worldview and his compassion for those in challenging circumstances. Locally, he loved to hunt and fish, over the years bringing home venison and fish aplenty. Arguably, his favorite place on earth was spending time at the family cabins in Leakey, Texas, to escape the city noise and connect with the natural world.

Tom was most proud of his family. His loving and devoted wife, Leslie, cared for him tenderly until his final days and continues to show up for others with the same compassion and generosity Tom was known for. His oldest child, Courtney, followed in his footsteps as a proud State Farm agent and is a mother defined by her selflessness and open-hearted way of living, always putting others before herself. His son, Chase, shares Tom’s charisma and his gift for conversation, using those talents in his sales career and visiting Leakey as often as he can. His daughter, Christa, is passionate about experiencing the world, spending quality time with friends, and, just like her father, never hesitating to drop everything to help those she loves. Lastly, Tom leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, whom we know he will faithfully be watching over.

Despite a summer long illness, Tom was on the road to recovery, and his passing came as a great shock to his loved ones and extended circle. As a man known for his energy, generosity, and persistence, he will be deeply missed. We take comfort in knowing that he is finally at rest and at peace.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Leslie; his children, Courtney (Kyle) Steele, Chase (Abbi) Clay, and Christa (Kevin) Clay; and his cherished grandchildren, Joanna, Abraham, and Theodore. He is also survived by his siblings Mary Louis Charrin, Richard (Kathy) Clay, Michael Clay, Rosanne (Rick) Oliver, Donald Clay, and David (Penny) Clay; his brother-in-law Bobby Shannahan; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rose Marie Clay; his brother Ralph (Flo) Clay; his sister Diane Shanahan; his brother-in-law John Webb; and his best friend, Keeper.

A memorial service to honor Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at Sagemont Church. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to H.E.L.P. at https://missionforhelp.org/donate/.