Bobby Marvin Clay, Sr.
August 18, 1937 ~ March 18, 2025
Resided in: Rocky Mount, NC
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Rocky Mount – Bobby Marvin Clay, Sr., age 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Born in Halifax County, NC on August 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Vester Bulluck Clay and Mary Bailey Clay. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Frances Frazier Clay; his brother, Vester Bulluck Clay, Jr.; and his sister, Kathleen Clay Crocker.
A man of great faith, Bobby was a long-time member of Southside Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, and a Sunday school teacher. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bobby served with both the 82nd and 11th Airborne Division until his honorable discharge. Devoted to serving his community, he retired as the District Fire Chief of the Rocky Mount Fire Department in 1992. Following his retirement, Bobby owned and operated Clay’s Electric Service. A devoted and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and good friend to many, Bobby will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Bobby is survived by his son, Bobby “Marty” Clay, Jr. and wife, Kim, of Rocky Mount; his daughters, Robin Clay Clayton and husband, Don, Jr., of Hillsborough and Pamela “Pam” Adams and husband, Wiley, of Apex; his grandchildren, Sherry L. Powers (Patrick), Ashley E. Dickens, Sarah C. Dickens (Mel), Jamie L. Coppedge, and Katie R. Clay; his great-grandchildren, Blakely Powers, Adam Powers, Layla Almeida, Kayleb Almeida, Jaylinn Robinson, and Madilin Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Bobby’s life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Dr. CJ Cauble officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
The family would like to thank Transitions Life Care of Raleigh and their staff; as well as caregivers, Krystal and Vicky, for their dedicated service in caring for Bobby. A special thank you to Southside Baptist Church for their support and prayers.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Bobby’s name to Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Rd, Elm City, NC 27822.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Funeral Service: Sunday, March 23, 2025 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
252-451-8800
Visitation: Sunday, March 23, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home
1130 N. Winstead Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
2524518800
Burial: Sunday, March 23, 2025 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
252-937-4600
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Bobby Marvin Clay, Sr. 's name.
Southside Baptist Church
4948 Carter Road
Elm City,
NC
27822
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Marty and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
So sorry for your families loss! Prayers for all of you in days and months to come.
Marty, Pam and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time. I remember the days of working with Pam and your mom at Oakwood Cinemas and when your dad would come in from time to time. Blessings to you and the family.
David Clay
Robin, Pam and Marty:
Your dad was a great guy. Many great memories, but one that won’t leave my head is going over to the house on Paul Street the year Mantle and Maris were chasing the homerun record and watching the Game of the Week with him and listening to Dizzy Dean and Peewee Reese joking around on black-and-white TV. Bobby hung on every pitch and talked to me like I knew as much about the game as he did. I was a lot younger than Bobby, but he was that kind to me as a kid. He was a real family man and seemed to take a genuine interest in me and what I was up to, even though it was Frances I was kin to. He will be remembered.
Ernie
Marty – sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Prayers for you all.
So sorry for your loss, Robin. Love to all.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I became close friends with him through the Y. We ate lunch together numerous times. He was such a devout Christian. So sorry I did not make the funeral. I am also elderly and have lots of health problems and Sunday was just a bad day for me. He told me all about you three children. I pray you will have peace with his passing. I know he was welcomed in Heaven and Frances was waiting for him. God Bless all of you!
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Alison & Mike Mills – RMPD