James Edward Clay

James E. Clay, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, departed this life May 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2016 at Brook Hollow Christian Church, with Rev. Penny Biddy officiating. A family burial service at Texas State Veterans Cemetery will precede the memorial service. Visitation will be Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. James was born to James Robert and Florence Keyes Clay on January 17, 1924, in Cushing, Oklahoma. The family later moved to Odessa, Texas, and following his graduation from Odessa High School in 1942, James volunteered to serve in World War II and was assigned to the 324th Infantry Regiment. His Regiment landed at Cherbourg, France, the first soldiers to disembark direct from transports to battlefield following the Normandy Invasion. He held three bronze stars and combat infantry badge, with three campaign ribbons. Following his discharge from the service, James attended San Angelo College (A.S.U.), where he met his future wife, Bernice Joplin. They married March 26, 1949, recently celebrating their 67th anniversary. They were blessed with two wonderful children: daughter, Cathryn Sue, and son, Tommy Franklin. James retired from Senter Insurance December 31, 1990. He was a member of Brook Hollow Christian Church and had served as Elder, and Chairman of the Board. He loved his country, church, family, and home. And he loved working in his yard. He is survived by his loving wife, Bernice; his daughter, Cathy Clay and husband, Neil Cannon; his son, Tommy Clay and wife, Sandy. Grandchildren: Tommi Lin Clay (Mike Dick), Abilene; James (Chelsea) Cutrer, Austin; Will (Krista) Clay, Abilene, Jason Cutrer (Mendocino Steele), Oakland, CA; Seth (Margo) Clay, Jayton. Great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Clay, Cayden Clay, Kylie Clay, Brodie Clay, Tom Clay, Tag Clay, Tee Clay, Ava Cutrer, and Carter Cutrer; sister-in-law, Eloise Russell, San Angelo; and beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Clay and wife, Lela; sisters, Ethel Bell Rockwell and husband, Harry; and Elizabeth Van Kirk; mother-in-law, Pernie Joplin; brothers-in-law, Franklin Rainey and Hudson Russell; niece, Martha Ann Nelson, and nephew, Chuck Van Kirk. The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Robert Striegler, Hospice of the Big Country, and the nurses and aids at Willow Springs Nursing Center. Memorials may be made to Brook Hollow Christian Church, 2310 South Willis St., Abilene, TX 79605, Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford St., Abilene, TX 79605, or the charity of your choice