Robert "Robbie" Lee Clay

Robert Lee Clay, or known by family and friends as Robbie, was born July 4, 1957 in Stilwell, OK, the son of James Andrew Jr. and Julia Vee (Green) Clay. Robbie had a heart as big as the outdoors he loved. He found his greatest peace near the water, whether it was a river, lake, creek, or pond. Fishing was one of his greatest joys, and he never missed an opportunity to tell one of his famous “five pound” fish stories.

Music brought happiness to Robbie’s life. He was a fan of Elvis Presley and old country legends like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Yet one song always stood above the rest: "I Love Rock 'n Roll" by Joan Jett. He loved to sing along, strum on his guitar, and dance whenever he had the chance.

Robbie was a member of the Tahlequah Outlaws Special Olympics team, where he proudly competed in bocce ball, running events, and the softball throw. Wednesday nights were reserved for bowling, followed by dinners out with his friends, sharing lots of laughs and memories he treasured. He also enjoyed spending time visiting at the Senior Citizens Center, where his friendly personality made him a familiar and welcome face.

Nothing delighted Robbie more than children and playing with his great nieces and nephews. Babies especially captured his heart, and he never passed up the chance to smile, play, or make a little one laugh. He eagerly anticipated every birthday, celebrating each one with the excitement and joy of a child. He also loved attending basketball games and enthusiastically cheering from the stands—even if he occasionally rooted for the wrong team. His was a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Robbie could often be found watching his favorite movie, Remember the Titans, enjoying one of his favorite meals of a cheeseburger and chips with an ice-cold Pepsi close by. He had a remarkable gift for giving everyone memorable nicknames, making people feel special and loved in his own unique way.

Although Robbie lived with lifelong disabilities, they never defined who he was. He was defined by his joyful spirit, his kind heart, his contagious laughter, and his ability to make others smile. He taught those around him to appreciate life's simple pleasures—a fishing trip, a favorite song, time with friends, a birthday celebration, or sharing a meal with the people you love. On August 3, 2026, at the age of 69, he passed from this life, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and countless smiles shared with family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, father and mother, James and Julia Clay, two brothers, Jimmy Dewayne Clay and Andy Clay and two sisters, Pat (Clay) Vann and Tania Clay.

Robbie will be deeply missed by his brother, Tim Clay and wife Vickie of Beggs, OK, two sisters, Sonia Boswell and husband Rick of Park Hill, OK and Tonia Ward and husband Darren of Claremore, OK and one brother-in-law, Jack Vann of Peggs, OK. His memory lives on through his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Special Olympics teammates. The family would like to express a special thank you to his Bios family, case manager, Kim Wade, caretakers, Teri Bunch, Rhonda Ragsdale, Leslie Gann, and Karlee Stevenson, and the many people who helped care for him throughout the years. Everyone’s lives were brighter because of his kindness, humor, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held on August 9, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow on August 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Reed-Culver Chapel. He will be laid to rest at Park Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Darren Ward, Rick Boswell, Jackson Vann, Zach Vann, John Buzzard, and Cory Vann, with honorary pallbearers Sam Vann, Jack Vann, Tim Clay, Bradley Frazier, David Dobbs, and Little Leaf Youngpuppy.