James Wayne "Jimmy" Clay, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Tri Cities Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on July 1, 1939, in Cumberland to Shade and Rebecca Rice Clay. Jimmy was a carpenter by trade and was a member of the Cumberland Missionary Baptist Church.

Jim was a faithful man of God who lived his life with a kind heart, a strong work ethic, and a generous spirit. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who always found a way to bring laughter and joy to those around him. His sense of humor, hardworking nature, and willingness to help others were a reflection of the good man he was, and the love he gave so freely will be remembered by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by three brothers, Floyd Clay; Robert "Bobby" Clay; and Michael Clay; and a sister, Grace Clay.

Jimmy leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Lavonne Stanton Clay of London, KY; two daughters, Betty Clay Pennington and husband, Mike, of Crittenden, KY; Kim Clay-Jackson and husband, Myke, of Morrow, OH; a granddaughter, Britt Scatena and husband, Tony, of Lexington, KY; two sisters,  Margaret Clay Szorcsik of Cumberland; Doris Powell of Cumberland; a brother, Sherrill Clay and wife, Joan, of Owensboro; a sisters-in-law, Blanche Clay of Carlisle, OH; Sylvia Reinhart and husband, John, of Milan, MI and many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Tri City Funeral Home from 6 to 8 pm. His funeral service will be Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:30 am at Tri City Funeral Home with the Reverend Terry Tipton officiating. Interment will follow at the Clay Cemetery in Cloverlick, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Wayne Clay.