Homer 'Smokey' E. Clay, Jr. of Bolt, passed away July 21, 2024 at Bowers Hospice House.

Born October 8, 1953, in Beckley, WV, he was the son of the late Homer and Bonnie Clay.

Mr. Clay was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Following high school, he moved to Cleveland, OH and began working in the steel mills. Shortly afterward, he moved back to Raleigh County, WV and spent several years working as an electrician in the coal mines. Next, he managed a bowling alley and then a sporting goods store. His last career move was to work in the heating and cooling industry.

He was an active member and deacon of Cove Creek Community Church, finding great joy working with youth, teaching Sunday morning and Wednesday night classes, singing in the choir, and leading services on a regular basis. He was a wonderful husband of 46 years to his loving wife, devoted father, ultimate grandfather, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He provided entertainment for all he encountered. His uplifting and jovial spirit brought life and fun wherever he went. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, golfing, and bowling.

He was proceeded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Pamela J. Clay and his brother, Charles Clay.

Survivors include sons Johnie (Sara) Clay of Beckley, WV and Dr. Smokey Clay of Cincinnati, OH; and daughter Katessa Begley, of Fairdale, WV. He is also survived by his sisters Pamela (Robert) Peraldo of Crab Orchard, Nancy (James) Webb of Saxon, Karen (Calvin) Meadows of Glen Daniel, and Esther (Robert) Norstern of Reston, VA. He was the beloved grandfather of Trenton (Morgan) Begley, Christopher Begley, Jr., Johnie Clay, and Micah Clay. He was the great grandfather to Juniper Begley.

We will celebrate his life at Melton Mortuary, 1200 Harper Road Beckley, WV, Thursday, July 25, 2024. Viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Services will be officiated by Pastor Samuel Sluss, Pastor Garry Hall, and Deacon Ray Pauley. The burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery, in Rock Creek, WV.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Begley, Jr., Trenton Begley, Johnie A. Clay, Johnie E. Clay, Micah Clay, Smokey Clay, Ray Pauley, and James Webb II.

Donations of sympathy can be made to the Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25801.