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Clayton Richie Obituary
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saint's." Psalm 116:15 Clayton Orlen Richie was called home on November 13, 2009. He was born in Phoenix, AZ on March 23, 1951 to Casey and Dorothy Richie. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, and sister Joyce Rollins. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife Tina Richie, son Daniel Richie (Chris), daughter Amy Lavender (Chris), step daughters, Sheena Miller (Jon), Erin McDermott, and inspiring friend and brother, Lynn Richie (Goldie). He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Tyler, Kyle, Lainey Kay, Kamdyn Rae, and many additional loving family members and friends. Please join us at Messinger Mortuary as we celebrate Clay's life, Saturday November 21 at 7601 E. Indian School Rd. 11:00am, and
remember to "come as you are, there ain't no dress code".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Richie
Sponsored by Your baby, Tina.
Erin
November 8, 2021
Hey Clay,
I've been missing you. My hair is growing back after cancer and it looks and feels just like yours did. Makes me happy and sad at the same time. Had to look up your birth year to send mom something so I ended up here. Thinking of you and seeing these photos opened up the flood gates, which was so needed. Oh! You are missed. So thankful for your life and the way you loved mom so well. Love you.
November 15, 2019
November 15, 2019
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Jerry Franklin
November 12, 2019
Hey little brother I cant believe its been 10 yrs. Denise and I think and talk about you all the time and I guess thats why it doesnt seem like 10yrs but other times it sure feels like many many more. You were really on my mind this last week of October for sure. I had to go in the Hospital for a Cardiac Cath. and the next day a pacemaker/defibrillator of all things. I thought about you all the time but especially after the Cath because I remember how you had to lay flat for 4 hrs with a sandbag lol and how boring it was. Well this was my first and now I get it very well, it was very boring for sure. I had been in contact with Amy during this mess and it was nice to know she was praying for me. It just felt like ole times again. Thank God I had my wonderful wife (the Jewish Mother...as you used to call her lol) there to take care of me as she does so very well all the time. Ill never forget you calling Denise that oh it was so funny. I was thinking of Dan also and how well hes done at AJs . Im sure he gives you all the credit because you guys talked about the store all the time and you were his support system for sure. I know you are singing in Gods Choir but on the selfish side I wish you were still with us here & we could go out singing like ole times together. Ok I admit it that Denise & I were just yelling lol & you were the amazing singer lol. I have never forgotten what you told me the first time I had the courage or enough Jack to get up to sing. You said youll be fine just know you wont have your accordion to hide behind haha. You were correct as usual but it did get easier as time went on. My beautiful wife and I are sitting in front of the TV with my new dog, Bliss her head on my lap & I know you would love her. I got her so she can be trained for my extreme PTSD issues but due to the ole heart issues that is currently on hold for obvious reasons. Well brother Ill talk with ya here later on and dont forget we love and miss you dearly my friend & little brother.
Patti Navage
November 12, 2019
Geez....I can't believe it's been so long since you left us. Your old West High Choral buddies missed you greatly at our 50th reunion a few weeks ago. Your beautiful voice would have added such a tremendous sound to our ever faithful chorus...but I'm sure you are singing with a much greater chorus now. I miss you my friend.
Amy Richie
July 11, 2017
Miss your face
Daniel Richie
July 10, 2017
Hey dad!
So many years have passed yet it seems like yesterday. I was sitting watching MASH and thought about how we used to watch it almost every night. I never understood the show as a child but understand why you laughed now. I remember the specific shows and movies that you watched. It is funny that I continue to watch and enjoy them also. Young Frankenstein when he sings Putting on the ritz, Star Trek and all the phrases you would quote and how you would make fun of specific scenes from TopGun. Now that I have gotten older I understand so much more. So much has happened and I realize more will happen as time goes on. I will take it all with a grain of salt and day by day. Just know that you are never forgotten and I miss you.
Oh yeah, I wanted to thank you for the grey hair I am having to face. I guess that is a true Richie trait. Thank you for who you were and know that I love you!!
Daniel Richie
March 18, 2015
Hey old man. Tomorrow is my Birthday and I will miss your morning call. Yours is coming around the corner. It is still strange not hearing your voice and seeing your face. I miss you so much. I wish I could talk to you. I truly miss all the talks that we were able to have. I still have your picture beside my desk at work. I know you are looking down on me and smiling. Thank you for being there whenever I needed you. Thank you for the fishing trips, throwing the ball around, jumping the fence to play basketball at the school and the indoor badminton games in the house. There are so many times I look in the rearview mirror and see you in me. Thank you for being my dad. I love you!
Amy
March 23, 2014
Happy Birthday(3-23) Dad. I love you and think of you every single day. I miss you so much!!!!
Amy
November 14, 2013
Hi Dad. It's been four years but that day will forever be on my mind. I miss you so much. I know you are with me and that is a huge comfort. I think about you every day. I miss your face and love you so much.
November 13, 2013
I miss you so much, and I will love you forever...
Love,
Me
Daniel Richie
October 27, 2013
Hey Dad! It's coming to 4 years in a few weeks. There has been so much time that has passed yet it seems like yesterday. I think about the past four years and wonder how things would be. I think about the changes that have occurred with work. I don't know if you would have ever imagined all that has happened. I think about life and wonder what changes might have occurred with time. I miss you. I think about the past but still move forward into the future. November 13th still is so vivid. I love you Dad!
Daniel Richie
January 22, 2013
Hey old man! Yet another year has gone by and so many things never change. I got a new phone and was unable to pull your picture. I found you again on google images and saved it. I was driving to work when I did this. I decided upon looking at your picture that I would grow my hair back. Great idea until yesterday when I saw some grey hairs. What a shock it was for me. I always saw you and uncle Lynn and thought how distinguished you both looked. Got a few years to go till then but at least I know I'll look good. I truly miss you! I so miss the talks you and I had near the end. We talked about god quite a bit. We also stopped talking about work and started talking about life. Really miss that. I just wanted to tell you I love you so much!
Daniel Richie
October 2, 2012
Been listening to so many songs you used to sing. Not just current songs but all the gospel music you would sing. You always had the most phenomenal voice. I always wished I could sing the way you could. I sit back at work and look upon the pictures of you and thank god you were in my life. It is hard to believe how much time has passed. I still remember everything about that day. This world has not been the same without you! I look forward to the day I can walk beside you and talk about all that has happened. To know one day our family will once again be together. Please make sure the badminton rackets and shuttle cocks are ready to go! Hopefully the red marks on the walls will not upset everyone. I love you dad! I know you know this. I know you hear me when I speak. You are " Never Forgotten".
Daniel Richie
July 7, 2012
I miss you and love you.
Daniel Richie
March 23, 2012
"NEVER FORGOTTEN"
Those words will be forever with me today. I love you dad. Been listening to a lot of music you always loved. You would have been 61 today. In your words "What an old fart!" I miss you dad. You are my support everyday. Especially work. You are above my desk so whenever I get down or need support I look up and see you. I love and miss you.
March 23, 2012
DENISE FRANKLIN
March 23, 2012
Happy Birthday!!! I know you are having the best birthday ever. We are selfish and miss you more everyday. Jerry and I talk about you all the time and wish things were different. I CHECK THE MAIL EVERYDAY AND LOOK FOR MY PENGUIN but it is not there haha I am cracking myself up just typing this and don't forget Tina says do not tell me to SHUT UP!! hahaha boy the memories we all have are so precious and I will cherish them forever. Just know that I miss and love you dearly! Happy Birthday!!
Jerry
February 1, 2012
Hi little brother it has been way to long since we talked!!! Think of you all the time and miss you like crazy. Seems a day never passes that Denise and I do not talk about you or something the 4 of us did at one time or another passes in our daily life. Love ya and miss ya your big brother!!
January 31, 2012
I miss you a little, since you've been gone. A few little memories, keep hangin' on. I miss you a little, I guess you could say, a little too much, a little too often, a little more everyday. We used to sing this song together for our Dads'. Now I sing it for you. I Love you baby boy. Love, Me
Daniel Richie
January 29, 2012
New year passing us by day by day. Remembering all we did. Fishing in the dead sea, playing catch in the backyard, nerf football along 20th avenue, badminton in the living room and talking about life. You are on my mind. Scares me so much to think that I have forgotten the sound of your voice. I miss and love you so much. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do.
Daniel Richie
December 11, 2011
Always remembered and never forgotten. These past few years have truly forced me to realize and see things I never thought I would have to. To be without you in front of me has given me the chance to see you inside of me. You blessed so many people. I enter my
day remembering the days of past. I know the future holds my memories of you. I miss you and love you!!!
Daniel Richie
November 2, 2011
Almost 2 years. Time has forced us to move on with our lives in so many ways. I thank you for who you were and how you guided me through life. I miss you so much. I have never forgotten! I love you dad!!
Amy Lavender
November 13, 2010
I can't believe it's been a year. It still seems so recent. I miss you so much everyday and don't know how many times I have wanted to pick up the phone and call you. I miss you more than you will ever know... and give Chris's dad a hug for us. I love you !!!!!
Jerry Franklin
September 8, 2010
We think of you everyday!!! We love you and miss you beyond one's imagination!! love ya always Jerry and Denise
March 23, 2010
Today is your special day, and my special day. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to celebrate 16 times, the special day of your birth. Erin and I are going to Carlos O'Brians in your honor today honey, and we are going to share a pollo fundido! I miss you so much. I will not hear your kind words of how delicious your yellow cake with homemade chocolate frosting is, but I will feel it. The memory of your smile, your touch, your love, your joy, and your sorrow is not enough, but it will have to do for now. Just as it was when you were here with me, you bring me happiness, and I know I am loved by you. Thoughts of you bring a smile to my face, even at the most difficult moments. Life with you was a wonderful gift, and I have always been amazed that God was willing to share you with me. I also know that this was just your temporary home. I miss you my baby boy, and my heart is filled with love for you. Happy Birthday.
Love,
Me
Amy
March 18, 2010
I so wish you were here. I realllly missed my 6am wake up birthday call. You singing Happy Birthday. Always the 1st person to call. You are in my thoughts every day. I'm still waitin for it to get easier. I miss and love you dad.....
Becky Rigdon
January 27, 2010
The days turned into weeks and weeks into months. we each faced the holidays without you! how difficult! colored christmas lights and silver tensel, ornaments from days gone by only served to remind us of you! So missed, so loved! Tina said it best when she said you were a good man! indeed! I never took the oppertunity to say the words! I am so very proud I knew you! Life should have froze in time on Nov. 13 for life is different without you in it! some of us indeed feel lost. Missed by so many
Jerry Franklin
January 23, 2010
Well here we are missing you as always.Baseball season is coming and who am I going to talk Diamondbacks with,or how bad the Suns are this season? I get this feeling almost every day to just pick up the phone and call you to have a laugh or three as you always said.I know you know Tina is comong to see us and we are so excited to see her,wish you were coming too...wait... you are cause you are always with us. Wow gotta tell ya life sucks without ya little brother but I know you have no more pain or fears of possible galbladder trouble now and I guess I am just being selfish every so often.Well talk with ya soon brother and we love and miss ya more than words could ever express.
Janet Cole
January 2, 2010
Clay ,
You were one of a kind , my friend. I will miss you. Rest in peace and my thoughts are with all who loved you.
Lorrie Vodika
December 9, 2009
Tina,
I have been thinking of you every day and I wish I could take away your pain. I can't imagine how difficult it is.
Tina
December 8, 2009
I love you and miss you more than words could ever, ever say. You are my baby.
Daniel Richie
December 6, 2009
I truly have found out in the past few weeks how much you were know and loved by so many people. I also know that you and I were so much alike in so many ways. I want you to know that I love and miss you so much. Thank you for you!!!
Amy
December 1, 2009
It has been almost 3 weeks and my heart is still hurting. I know it will take some time. I think about you everyday and wish I could take that day back for so many reasons. I called your house the other day and the answering machine came on and there you were. I am missing you and love you much. I know you are close and you are watching over all of us. Talk to you soon......
Jerry Franklin
November 24, 2009
Well my brother,needless to say I miss you more than you can imagine.God has a great man to sing with him and his other saints.Some people go a life time and don't have a friend like you,let alone a best friend that I could share anything with and know you understood and never judged me,just accepted me.I never looked at you as a friend and you know that.You are my little brother cause remember I am ten days older.The other day the Suns played a mid-western team so I got to watch them play.I started to pick up the phone and call you...well guess what.I couldn't because the Lord needed you home with him.I am so thankful that the Lord gave me such a close friend/brother for at least 43 or 44 yrs.You would be so proud of your Tina..she is doing very well given she lost her best friend and husband to.Denise is out of the hospital as of yesterday.She is now in remission...thank the Lord for that.I also spoke with Lynn and he sent me a copy of your sermon and a tape you made.He is a great man also.
Well brother I love you , miss you and will write more later.
Jerry and Denise
DENISE FRANKLIN
November 24, 2009
Sandy I will never forget all the fun, scary, crazy, stupid, etc times that the 4 of us have shared over the last 10 that I (Denise) can remember but I know you and Jerry have had many many more of those times...as I have not quit crying since I heard the horrible news it just doesn't seem real.. I guess it never will.. your voice singing was just amazing, your talent of words to speak and the way you analyzed everything to the most precise thing would crack me and Tina up we would say ok hurry or finish the statement for you and Jerry was the same way but we sure wish we had many more of those analyded conversations..we would tease each other like we were brother and sister and I am sure going to miss that..the penguins, checking the mail lolololol..Sandy I could go on and on and I will write more later....we are moving back home to be near your and our Tina...I love you Sandy!!!
Bridget Bell
November 20, 2009
What an amazing voice to match the heart of a great man. You will be missed. We love you.
Janie
November 20, 2009
Clay is singing with the angels in heaven. May God bless and be with Tina and their family and many friends.
Joanne Granville
November 20, 2009
I am so sorry to find out about Clay's passing. What a larger than life guy he was and I will always be grateful for the times (and laughs and songs )we shared. I first met Clay when he came over to me to say - I think you know my girlfriend, Tina (and pointed her out across the room - to think Tina too shy to come over). We screamed and hugged and laughed and bored Clay with old stories. Clay was such a great guy. He adored adored adored Tina and she felt so blessed to have met him. I am truly sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing Clay with the rest of us. The Choir in heaven just got SOOOO much better.
All my love,
Joanne
Daniel Richie
November 19, 2009
I have truly realized how blessed I am. My family and friends have really shown me how loved I am. For the past 35 years I have had a true father, friend and confidant. I talk to dad and the lord everyday for guidance in my life. I know they are up there looking down on us all. I miss you dad and love you very much. Thank you for you!!!!!!!!
Cathy Allen-Lamb
November 19, 2009
A very special man...who has touched every heart! You will be missed so very much. We will see you thru Daniel...but know you are closely watching everything from above. I'm so grateful to have had those five special years...of laughing & sharing lifes questions! Blessings to the whole family & to all the wonderful friends.
David Rodes
November 19, 2009
Clay was a great guy, I'm glad I was able to work with him and his son Daniel. Peace to the family and God Bless
Becky Rigdon (Richie)
November 18, 2009
All of my 52 yrs you have been apart of my life. I am blessed to have had all those hugs, all those teasings, and all those china berry fights on a hot summer day. memories! laughter! wisdom filled moments! you were more like a brother to me then an uncle. you will always be in my heart. I was soooo looking forward to going fishing with you in June.
Amy
November 18, 2009
I can't believe I am writing this today. Dad would always tell me when we talked that he "missed my face". Dad I will miss your face. I love you so much and will miss you so much. I know you are with me wherever I go and that brings me great comfort. Thank you for being my dad... I am so blessed to have had you in my life helping to make me who I am.
Ray Bob
November 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Daniel Richie
November 18, 2009
Dad,
I know you are looking down on us and smiling. I am very proud to be your son. I will miss you more than I could ever express.
I Love You!
Patti (Navage) Whitney
November 18, 2009
Sandy,
You were one of my best friends in high school. I remember all of the good times we had singing and making videos and just acting silly. I'm sorry I didn't stay in touch, but thought of you often. My condolences to your family for losing such a wonderful person so young. Heaven now has a new member of their choir.
November 18, 2009
Uncle Sandy what a happy and fun loving uncle you were. Your laughter rings in my ears. Of course you will be remembered most for that amazing voice you had, you sang so beautifully and I always wondered why you weren't famous. You inspired me to be in choir in grade school and high school.
You will be forever in my heart.
Lorrie (Rollins) Vodika
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