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Marvin Walter Clay

Marvin Walter Clay, 88, of Jonesboro, Arkansas passed away on May 16, 2018 at his home. He was born on August 20, 1929 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late Floyd and Edna Thain Clay. He was a faithful member of the choir at Carr Memorial Methodist Church for over forty years, married to Lucille Merritt on November 28, 1950, and a graduate of Pine Bluff High School in 1947 where he played the trumpet in the band under “Scrubby” Watson. He was an Army Veteran and served at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas and was employed at the age of fourteen at Pine Bluff Commercial Newspaper as a paper carrier where he progressed thru the years to circulation manage and eventually to business manager. After retirement he enjoyed traveling with family and friends ultimately visiting forty-six states including Hawaii and Alaska. He loves to drive and drove for McFarland Eye Surgery Center transporting patients and he also worked for various car dealerships in Southeast Arkansas delivering cars across the country. He also enjoyed golf, gardening, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.Survivors include; his wife of 67 years: Lucille Merritt Clay of the home; two daughters: Luanne Clay Barker (Neil) and Marcia Clay Hutcheson (Rick); six grandchildren: Clayton Barker, Brian Barker, Chelsea Hutcheson Preston (Paul), Chandler Hutcheson (Abby), Jason Hutcheson, and Jennifer Hutcheson Huggins (James); two great-grandchildren: Drake and Bailea Bowen; and a host of other family and friends.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by; one daughter: Carol Beth Clay; one sister: Louise Clay Hood; one brother: Tommy Clay.Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Chapel, 801 S. Main, Jonesboro, Arkansas with Rev. John Miles officiating. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday at the church in Jonesboro from 1:00 p.m. until service time. On Wednesday, May 23, 2018 the family will receive visitors at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

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  1. Bill Bethea, says
    May 21, 2018

    Mr. Clay was a great inspiration in my life. He was a wonderful mentor to all kids when we were around your family. He had wonderful daughters. When I delivered papers for the Commercial, I still picture this very tall man sitting behind his desk and listening to what I had to say or telling me what I needed to know. As I became an adult and visited Carr Church with my parents, Mr. Clay was always there and always asking about my family and telling me about his kids. I remember his recent note when my daughter died.He will be missed but had a life well-lived. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of us.

  2. Michael Bethea, says
    May 21, 2018

    I remember Marvin from my days as a route carrier a the Commercial but remember him most from our time at Carr. He was a great and friendly man that always had helpful remark.

  3. Bob Ideker (lake Havasu City, Az), says
    May 19, 2018

    Mrs. Clay, I grew up in Pine Bluff and graduated in 1964, but when I was about 13-14, I had a paper route when Mr. West was the circulation manager but remember Marvin as a young man himself. He seemed to be so tall. :) He was always very nice to me and we talked often when I was there doing route business. He was soft spoken, understanding and very professional. May you have peace knowing how well he was liked by us "young" folks at the time. My best regards to you and your family.

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