Henry Hoyle Clay

Henry Hoyle Clay, founder of Clay’s Garden Supply (now Clay’s Power Equipment), loving husband, father and devoted Christian, went to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, May 14th 2011 at the age of 86.

He was born on January 14, 1925 to the late Lella Preston Newton and the late Henry Washington Clay in Granville County.

He proudly graduated from Lafayette High School with the class of 1943. He then served his country in the US Army during WWII under the 78th Infantry, 309th Division in an anti-tank mine company. He was wounded while serving and received a purple heart award. Hoyle recently was blessed to be on the May 4th Flight of Honor Veteran’s Flight that traveled to Washington DC and was so proud to be able to be a part of that trip.

Hoyle began his career working with Job P. Wyatt and Sons Co. on Wilmington St. in Raleigh. He later served as retail store manager for 15 years with Wyatt Quarles Seed Company. He then founded Peace Street Hardware and Garden Supply in 1965 on the corner of Peace Street and Capital Blvd. The business changed its name to Clay’s Garden Supply and moved to its present location on New Hope Church Rd in 1970. In 2001, the name of the business was changed again to Clay’s Power Equipment and Hoyle was able to participate in the opening of a second store location in Fuquay Varina earlier this year.

Hoyle was an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving on many committees and as a deacon. He married Margaret Elizabeth Satterfield in 1951 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. This December would have marked their 60th anniversary.

Hoyle is survived by his devoted wife Margaret, two daughters, Sandra Clay of St. Charles, Missouri and Brenda Clay of Greensboro, NC, as well as, son Jerry Clay and wife Phyllis of Raleigh and grandson Brandon Clay.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening May 17th from 6-8 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on Millbrook Rd., Raleigh. Funeral services will be at 1 pm Wednesday, May 18th 2011 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 8304 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC with graveside service to follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church in memory of Hoyle Clay.

Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynne.com