Alvin “Clay” Watlington, Jr. passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the private care home of Jeanette Harris of Forest Street in Martinsville. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Alvin Watlington, Sr. and Stella Turner Watlington; his mother and stepfather, Hazel Smith Griffin and Hugh P. Griffin, Jr.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Early and Virginia Wood and his brother-in-law Joe Wood.
Clay is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debby Watlington; his son, Ryan Watlington (Shannon) and daughter, Laurie Manuel (Pete); sisters-in-law, Ellen Wood and Jane Wood; grandchildren, Brooke Cooper (Kyle), Virginia Manning, Will Manning, Jessica Manning, and Lucas Manuel; great grandchildren, Logan Cooper, Autumn Brondsema and Cameron Brondsema.
Clay grew up in Reidsville, N.C. and was a proud graduate of NC State University. He was employed with E.I. DuPont de Nemours for 33 years and was director of facilities maintenance of Henry County Public Schools for 6 years.
He was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church. Clay was an avid sports fan and he played golf and loved to walk. He especially followed ACC sports.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Monday, July 13, 2026 at McKee-Stone Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm and will be officiated by Reverend Chris Bennett. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Jeanette Harris and her family and staff for their loving care of Clay over the last nine months.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 824 Starling Avenue, Martinsville VA 24112 or Carenet Counseling, 108 Oakmont Drive, Greenville, NC 27858.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
