Arthur Clay Obituary

Arthur Thomas "Tom" Clay Jr.

Williamston

Arthur Thomas Clay Jr. was born on May 17, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Arthur Thomas and Helen (Root) Clay, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 74. He had waged an epic 14-year battle against cancer.

He attended Broad Ripple High School (Indianapolis) and Miami University (Ohio), where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He attended graduate school at Michigan State University.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Sarah Clay. He is survived by Marjory Lindsay Clay, his wife of 49 years; his sister, Jane Clay (Gary Hafner) of Spencer, Indiana; three children, Julie Clay Gislason (Bill) of Cincinnati, Andrew Clay (Debbie), and Peter Clay (Christie), both of Williamston; 10 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Tom was an economist with a long and successful career in Michigan government, serving as the Deputy Director of the Office of the Budget until 1991 and as Deputy Director of the Treasury until 1997. After his retirement, he worked at the Citizen's Research Council of Michigan until 2008, where he did analysis and extensive public speaking throughout the state on the health of Michigan's economy.

He was also actively involved in leadership and volunteer positions with Boy Scouts of America, United Way of Greater Lansing, OAKS, Meals on Wheels, the Williamston Beautification Fund and Chamber of Commerce, and coached the Williamston Girls Golf Team. He was a founding member of the Williamston Sunrise Rotary and the only two-time Rotarian of the Year.

Tom was an avid golfer, playing at both high school and collegiate levels. Other interests included bicycling, travel, competitive bridge and, most of all, his family. Together, he and Marge created a home that attracts and welcomes all to gather, laugh, celebrate, feast, make music and art.

A remembrance of Tom's life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13 at Williamston High School, McGoff Performing Arts Center, 3939 Vanneter Rd., Williamston, MI The family will receive visitors beginning at 2 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution be made to Williamston Sunrise Rotary, 4015 Zimmer Rd., Williamston, MI 48895.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal on Sep. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Clay

12 Entries

Diana Censoni

September 13, 2015

Tom was filled with tremendous integrity, character, kindness,and intellect.
He was a great model and force for correct action in state government.
He was a bright light in this world.
My heart is with the family.
What a great loss.

Gary Guenther

September 12, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to know Tom both professionally and socially. He was the consummate professional and probably the most honest and straightforward person I knew. I know Tom was an Eagle Scout and he certainly displayed the ethics and personal character that the scouts embody. I'll always remember the many happy times we spent at your house playing trivial pursuit and solving the State of Michigan's problems as well as the rest of the worlds. If I remember right, Tom was a member the NAACP which was typical of him taking one step further to help make this a better world.
On a different note: Tom (and family) was the only person I knew that could get thrown out of a Michigan State Park for collecting beer bottles. I don't know that he ever retaliated.
We'll all miss him.
With love,
Gary Guenther

Caryn Edwards

September 12, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Tom was a wonderful person. Our family always enjoyed being with Tom and your family.

Jan and Craig Ruff

September 9, 2015

Tom is our true friend and we will miss him very much. He is also an intellectual who we are devoted to. A fabulous man leaves fabulous memories

Thomas E. Bletcher

September 9, 2015

...many of us who remember are lighting candles today...Tom will be missed, but, not forgotten...

Ron and Sally Rhule

September 9, 2015

He was a true gentlemanand informative conversationalist easy to talk to and a pleasure to be with

Judy Guffey Bogan

September 7, 2015

Dear Marge and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. May God grant you peace and comfort at this time. In Christian Love, Judy Guffey Bogan - Class of 1962 - Poland, OH

September 7, 2015

We have known Tom since the late 60's when he and David were work colleagues. David remembers Tom developing the formula for distributing state shared revenues that was both simple and elegant which became part of the State Revenue Sharing Act of 1971.

We both remember him as a friend as well as a person dedicated to good government.

Tom helped us move into our first home and over the years offered kindness, sympathy and support when needed.

Our sympathy to the family.

George Orban

September 6, 2015

I was an Analyst with the Senate Fiscal Agency from 1975 - 1987, and then was at the State of Michigan Retirement Office until 2000, during which time I worked extensively with Tom. He was a mentor, teacher, wise counselor, a paragon of ethical behavior, and a true gentleman. He was also our savior at the Retirement Office as he was the only person in the Cass Building who really understood retirement. I will treasure my time with him and what he taught me. My deepest condolences to his family.

Andrew Kleine

September 5, 2015

I have fond memories of Tom Clay and his family. They lived across the street from us in Lansing when I was young, and Tom worked with my father as economists in state government. We shared a love of golf, and played together many times. Some years back, after a long time out of touch, I called Tom for advice. He couldn't have been more gracious and helpful. My thoughts are with the Clay family.

Deep Grewal

September 4, 2015

Arthur Thomas Clay Jr., was a true gentleman and a scholar. We are deeply saddened to hear this news, our condolences to the entire family and if there's anything that we may assist with please let us know, Deep and Lisa A. Grewal

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