Robert Smith "Boulder" Clay

LABELLE, Mo. -- Robert Smith "Boulder" Clay, 74, of LaBelle died Thursday (July 31, 2008) in Columbia. He was born Sept. 26, 1933, in LaBelle, a son of Robert Roy and Cora Ann Manley Clay. On Feb. 11, 1956, he was united in marriage to Zonia Perkins. Robert received his education in LaBelle schools. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was in the military from 1952 to 1958, obtaining the rank of staff sergeant. Robert was employed as a truck driver for several companies including Sharkey Trucking and Master Tank and Welding in Quincy, Ill. He was employed for several years with MFA in LaBelle and also drove for Sharpe Land and Cattle south of LaBelle. He was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Boulder enjoyed baseball, spending time with his children and grandchildren, watching them play basketball and watching westerns. He was known as Vamp on his C.B. radio. Surviving are his wife, Zonia Clay of LaBelle; three children, Donna Jean Dilligard and husband, Mike, of Canton, Patricia A. Sanchez and husband, Adalberto, of Pennebrooke Pines, Fla., and Robert K. Clay of Jacksonville, Fla.; his mother, Cora Ann Clay of LaBelle; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Louella Johnson and husband, John, of Quincy; two brothers, Roy William Clay and wife, Ella, of LaBelle and Arthur D. Clay and wife, Susan, of Quincy; one uncle, Granville Clay and wife, Francis, of Quincy; three aunts, Irene McGruder and Ruby Clay of LaBelle and Veta Stewart of Fort Madison, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Harry Frank Clay. SERVICES: 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Coder Funeral Chapel, LaBelle. The Rev. James A. Salter will conduct the services assisted by the Rev. Charles Sharpe. Burial with military honors will be in LaBelle Cemetery conducted by the Missouri Military Honor's Team. Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace" and "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Casket bearers will be Sam Johnson, Cory Tournear, Chet Florea, Roy Lewis, Robert Gay, Michael Perkins Jr., Ralph Clay Jr. and Finley Lewis Jr. Honorary bearers will be Charles Florea, Paul Ross, Keith Gardner and Mike Manley. VISITATION: after 4 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. MEMORIALS: Mount Olive Baptist Church, which can be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO 63447. ARRANGEMENTS: Coder Funeral Chapel, LaBelle. Condolences may be left online at www.whig.com.