Thomas Allen Clay, 82, of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Catawba Valley Medical Center following a period of declining health.

Thomas was born July 3, 1943 in Cleveland County, a son of the late Marshall Haywood and Lousie Wilfong Clay. He loved his country and possessed a strong spirit of patriotism. He was proud of his nearly four-year service in the Air Force. Following his service, he worked as a truck driver for many years, and he could often be seen in his home workshop building and working on all sorts of personal projects. He loved his daughter and granddaughters dearly. They were his life.

In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in passing by two brothers, George “Bill” Clay and Albert Clay, and three sisters, Jean Setzer, Joanne Benson, and Miriam Herman.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of sixty-two years, Alice Faye Greenhill Clay; one daughter, Anita Clay Church (Christopher); two granddaughters, Meredith Church (Jacob) and Macy Church (Jacob); one brother, Marshall Haywood Clay, Jr. (Sue); two sisters, Judy Setzer and Linda Shugart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2 PM at Royal Chapel Church of God with Rev. Mike Campbell officiating. Interment will follow the service at Royal Chapel Church of God Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Royal Chapel Church of God from 1 PM to 2 PM.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the Clay family.