I’m so so sorry for your loss! I will always remember Clay being so jovial and having a good time! He was always such a good friend to my brother Matt! He is going to be missed so much! Keeping you and your family in our prayers! 
Summer & Matt Deepe

I didn't know him well which is sad because I can tell he loved his family and loved helping people. One morning before Sunday lunch he saw a fast food cup on the table and said who would go eat breakfast before lunch?😂 I said me. The burrito was nasty so I threw it away. We then continued to have a 15 minute conversation about the best breakfast. So I got him back when we did fall festival. He had a Sonic cup in his hand and I walked up to him and said who goes eats before coming to all this good food? He said this is my drink from lunch. We both laughed 🤣

Tribute to Clay  

Our dear friend Clay has departed from our circle, leaving behind a space that cannot be filled. Though our time together was not long—just under two years—it was rich with moments we will always cherish.  

Clay blessed us with his friendship, his kindness, and the love of a beautiful family he leaves behind—and those he now surely rejoins. His presence touched our lives in ways that will remain with us always.  

Clay, we love you, we miss you, and we will carry your memory in our hearts. 🧡  

With love and remembrance,  
Lee and Diana

I’ve lost one of my best friends in life, and my heart feels heavy in a way I can’t fully put into words.

I remember when I was younger and wasn’t attending church. You never gave up on me. Every Wednesday and Sunday, you’d invite me sometimes gently, sometimes firmly but always out of love. You’d text me, then call me, saying, “Get your butt up, get dressed, and come to church!” You didn’t realize it then, but you were planting seeds in my life that would one day grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I am forever grateful for that.

I’m thankful for all the memories we shared. From Royal Rangers to campouts, from football games to fishing trips, from sitting around a warm campfire talking about life to just walking around Bass Pro looking at fishing gear we didn’t even plan to buy. Every one of those moments meant something, and now they mean even more. They’re pieces of you I get to keep forever.

You weren’t just a friend, you were a brother, a mentor, and someone God placed in my life on purpose. I’m blessed and thankful for the bond we created over the years. Thank you for being patient with me, for believing in me, and for helping me become the man I am today. Thank you for teaching and loving the younger generation, for being a role model, and for always shining the light of Christ in everything you did. Thank you for drawing me closer to Jesus Christ when I needed it the most.

Life won’t be the same without you here. I will miss your laughter, your encouragement, your strength, your heart, and the way you always pulled people in instead of pushing them away. You had a way of making everyone feel valued and welcomed, and that’s a rare gift.

Even though my heart hurts, I find peace knowing where you are. You are with Jesus now whole, joyful, and surrounded by glory. I have no doubt that Heaven gained someone truly special. And one day, when God calls me home, I look forward to seeing you again.

Rest in peace, my friend! Until we meet again!

I’m so saddened to hear the news that Clay is no longer here . But he is now with the Lord . Mrs. Tapp , J.J. And my dear Beth you have my deepest condolences.  Clay was an amazing man , I remember our great conversations we could talk about anything and everything . We respected each other’s opinions. I pray for comfort and peace during this difficult time. May God continue to bless you all 🙏🏽

Always supporting and being there for friends & family. Was always there for a much needed hug. Clay had a big heart. Showing God’s love through his life. He loved God. Anyone who knew him , knew that! He has touched so many lives. Our hearts are heavy knowing you are no longer here on earth. But we that know Jesus ,as you did , will see you again on those streets of gold.

From the short time I knew you, you were really fun to be around. 
We had a few times at Church dinners, and cook outs. I know you will be greatly missed. Most important is knowing that God will be watching over your Mom and both your sisters, JJ and Beth. We are so sorry for your loss and we love you all.

                                 Sandy and Ernie Montiel

I’m so thankful I knew you Clay, always the sweetheart.
It took a little time for us to warm up to each other but
Christ love wins every time.  I’ll be seeing you again.  ❤️

Words cannot express all of the emotions we will feel today and in the tomorrows ahead. Of course there is relief that we know where he is. And pride in the wonderful man we knew.
     He will be missed for all the individual attention he gave to so many of us. For me, we shared that owl mug and I hope it stays on that top shelf forever. I couldn't reach it and when I found out it had become his favorite, I was glad to share.
     I will miss his hugs. Clay had a lot of gifts and that was just one of them.

When I first got to know Clay and the family, we had a bonfire out at their house. I get told we are going to play a hide and seek kind of game, I still don't remember the name. But one of the first things I remembered was Clay taking pity on me, not knowing what was around because it was dark and I didn't know the rules that well. He had me hide with him and then went to run and give himself a chance for someone to catch him before me. This was him. I saw this over and over as we all grew up. He would head outside and start a game of basketball and if someone didn't know what they were doing he tended to take it easy and help them. He carried this through the years with all the kids in Royal Rangers and so many others as we got older. Clay was someone you always loved because he loved others so much. As an adult when I personally hit one of my lowest points, he became a brother to me. He was there for me when I didn't know what was up or down. He helped me with my babies, hung out with us and my family. He also would go see my mother when she was in the hospital and speak with her, without any of us knowing. He was someone that broke the mold of what we wish each of us were in loving on others. Truly showing the love of Christ to so many. Clay you will be so deeply missed even though I know you are so happy worshipping Christ in HIS presence. We will see you again, but until then we have to deal with missing you here. My prayers are with you Ms. Linda, JJ, Beth and Michael. He loved each of you so very much.

I would just like to say Clay always had the best hugs and gave them freely. He played a mean game of chess with my son, Cameron, and treated him well. It just doesn’t seem the same at church without him. He will truly be missed!

Shon

Clay was a cherished man of God that I looked up to. He was dependable and very capable of handling the church’s audio visual system whenever it messed up. Of particular note was how he mentored the Royal Ranger boys and his friends who played instruments. I was very impressed. He will be missed by many.

Clay was always at every event. He was at my white coat ceremony, my gender reveal, and so many more things. I always had him as a cheerleader in the crowd. Thanks clay for being such a proud supporter of me ❤️

Clay was a “Gentle Giant”, as my husband always called him. He was at every major event in my families life! We love you and know we will see you again one day!!

OBITUARY

J. Clayton Tapp

September 4, 1975 – November 23, 2025

Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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