Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Clay

1934 - 2016

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Clay obituary, 1934-2016, Chandler, AZ

BORN

1934

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary

14 W. Hulet Drive

Chandler, Arizona

Thomas Clay Obituary

Clay, Thomas Joseph (Tom)
Thomas Joseph (Tom) Clay passed away in Chandler, AZ on September 21, 2016 after suffering a stroke three years ago which denied him the ability to communicate and use of his writing hand. Tom was born in Springfield, IL on June 2, 1934 to Thomas Elton Clay and Teresa Jean Kohlrus. He graduated from Cathedral Catholic Boys High School in Springfield IL then served in the US Navy on the USS Pollux during the Korean Conflict. After completing his service, he married Maria Angeles (Angie) Solis in San Francisco, CA on June 30, 1956 where he started his family, worked full time and attended Heald College where he became an Electrical Engineer. Tom is predeceased by his sister Carol Ann Johnson and survived by his wife Angie Clay, brothers Edward Clay and Richard Clay, children Thomas R. Clay, Michael Clay, Annette Gillette and Michelle Clay, grandchildren Jennifer Clay, Kathryn Clay, Julie Clay, Joelle Gillette, Bryant Newman, Victoria Clay, Alexandra Clay and Thomas A. Clay, and great grandchild Joseph Thomas DeLeo. Tom worked as an Electrical Engineer and Project Manager for the State of Illinois, Morton Salt, Bechtel Corporation and Armour Meat Company moving across the country many times finally settling in Tempe, AZ in 1973. After raising their family, Tom and Angie travelled the world where he was an accomplished Program Manager of high value, technically and politically complex international mining and transportation construction projects in Columbia, Philippines, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The highlight of his career was being the Program Manager completing the construction and activation of the Eurotunnel which crosses underneath the English Channel connecting France to the UK. While Tom's career was his passion, he was a devoted husband and family man. He was a man who lived his faith being selfless, kind and charitable to others. He modeled and taught his children and grandchildren an excellent work ethic, the value of education and self-reliance, and most of all doing the "right thing". Tom self-admittedly was "politically incorrect" and had a wicked, irreverent sense of humor even getting the toughest customer to laugh when he told the countless stories that he loved to tell. He loved talking and being around people, especially his family. We will miss him dearly. Visitation will be 6-8pm Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ 85225. Funeral Mass will be 10 am Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 E. Libra Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283. Private burial will follow at Queen of Heaven cemetery in Mesa, AZ. Cards and flowers may be sent to 9447 South Palm Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284. Tom's favorite charity to help others was: Helping Hands of Holy Spirit, 1800 E. Libra Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283, 480-838-7474

Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 27, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Clay

Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Denis & Flora Halls

October 2, 2016

Flora and I share happy memories of Tom and his family as our friends in Folkestone in the UK and as my boss on the English Channel Tunnel construction project. His mentoring, both in work and life in general as a very passionate family man, will leave an indelible mark on us which we will treasure.
His passing is very sad for us and he will be remembered with great affection. Our thoughts are with Angie and the family.
Flora & Denis Halls.

September 30, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help the Clay family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Carla

September 27, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one in death can make us feel helpless. May you gain strength as you pour out your heart in prayer to God, who's near the brokenhearted.

Pat

September 27, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. God is the hearer of all prayers. May the God of comfort give your family peace and comfort in your time of grief.

Tyler

September 27, 2016

Dear Angie and children. Shocked and saddened by Tom's passing. I really missed talking to Tom often about my family, his family, especially Angie and our high school friends. He laughed about my husband who is legally blind beating him in a game of pool. Tom was sooo proud of his family and always talked about their accomplishments. He so loved his Angie and was so proud of their many years together. I will stop by asking one of the kids to call me just to let me know how things are going. Love to you all from Donna and Bill Hickerson.

Donna and Bill Hickerson

September 27, 2016

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Clay's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Clay

Sep

28

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary

14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ 85225

Sep

29

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

1800 E. Libra Dr., Tempe, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Whitney & Murphy Bueler Mortuary

14 W. Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ 85225

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Clay's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored