Paul Andrew Clay

A graveside service will be held at 9:00 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Paul was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 18, 1946, to Wayne Stanley Clay and Lula May (Mobley) Clay, both now deceased. He resided in Temple, Texas since 1980. Prior to that, he lived and worked in Houston, Lubbock, Victoria, San Antonio, Round Rock, and Cedar Hill, Texas, where he attended high school, and Corona, California, where he attended elementary and middle school.

At the time of his death, Paul was pursuing his dream of chasing freedom in the saddle of a V-twin motorcycle.

Paul retired from the Texas Department of Health (TDH), where he worked for 33 years as a public health program administrator. In addition to the TDH, he worked for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for six years.

Paul was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He attained the rank of Sergeant and received an honorable discharge in November 1967 after a military career that included four and one-half years training and work in Military Public Health at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital and the 4th USAF Epidemiologic Flight in Izmir, Turkey, and Southeast Europe.

Paul was very proud of his work in infectious disease epidemiology. As a lifelong public health professional, Paul’s skill had a beneficial impact on the community, and his work saved many lives. As a result of his work, he received several commendations and awards, both civilian and military.

He was a loving and devoted father, survived by his son, Paul Christopher Clay and wife Angela of Temple, Texas; daughter, Angela Marie Clay-Cooney and husband Daniel of Temple, Texas; grandchildren Morgan Cooney of Austin, Texas and Taylor Cooney of Killeen, Texas; great grandchildren Nova and Myles; and dozens of nieces and nephews in Texas and California.

He is preceded in death by his best buddy and brother, Phil Clay; brothers, Wayne, James, and John; and sisters, Virginia, Mary, and Esther.

Paul was a member of Reality Group, and AA in Troy, Texas. He was always willing to help others find recovery.

Paul will be missed by his devoted companion, Grace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Heart to Home - Animal Adoption Center (Temple Animal Shelter) 620 Mama Dog Cir, Temple, TX 76504.