Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Tommie Clay, Sr. Obituary
Tommie James Clay Sr. was born on August 31, 1946 in Selma Alabama to Leon Clay Sr. and Velma Lee Parks Clay. He graduated from R.B. Hudson High School in Selma, Alabama in 1964 and shortly after relocated to Englewood, NJ in 1965.
on March 30, 1965 Tommie entered the US Army and was honorably discharged on March 6,1968. He was united in holy matrimony to Mary Josephine Frierson on January 30,1971 and was blessed with three children, Sharon, Deborah and Tommie Jr. (TJ). Tommie joined the Colonial Pipeline family in 1975 where he faithfully worked as a Pipeline Operator for 35 years before retiring in 2010.
Tommie had a big heart and enjoyed helping others, cooking and having a good time with family and friends. He was the life of many celebrations, house parties and backyard barbecues. He loved making his signature "spicy" chopped barbecue and smoking the annual Thanksgiving turkey. Tommie was a devoted family man and spent years taking care of his perfectly manicured lawn and rooting for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. He spent his latter years listening to soul classics by his favorite artists and spoiling his grandchildren. His cool laid back demeanor will be missed by all.
Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 45 years, Mary Josephine Clay; daughters, Sharon Marie Rosa (Tyrone) and Deborah Alexis Douglas (Lawrence); son, Tommie James Clay Jr. (Sharell); god-children Shanteca Olivacce (Shawn/Lynise) and Rodger Colbert (Soyica); sister, Ernestine Ward (Ernie); brothers, Leon Clay Jr. (Wilma), Caesar Clay (Pearl), Hennon Clay; Grandchildren, Tyrone, Mekhi, Jared, Madison, Lawrence Jr, Lathan; brother-in-laws, Charles Alston, James David Frierson (Bertha), Alexander Frierson (Mattie); sister-in-laws, Jannie Pearl Frierson, Ellen Alberta Pelzer; nieces, nephews and a host of other family members and friends.
Tommie is preceded in death by his father Leon Clay Sr., mother Velma Lee Parks Clay; sister, Classie May Alston; brother in-law, Eli Whitney Frierson (Wilma).
Memories and Condolences
for Tommie Clay, Sr.
Linda Victor
August 20, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rose Trojkovich
August 21, 2023
Still think of you often. May God bless your awesome family!
Ed Foster
August 20, 2019
Rest on my Brother, you are in the hands of the Lord. Ed Foster a classmate in the High School class of 1964.
Rose Trojkovich
September 22, 2017
It has been over a year since Tommy's passing and still I often think of him and the "good old days" at EHMC - he was a part of our O.R. family for so many years. Thanks for the wonderful memories, friend! May you rest in peace in the soft comfort of Our Lord.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Michele Graham
September 1, 2016
Cousin Mary, Sharon, Debbie, and TJ,
We are sending our deepest condolences to your family during this time. I will miss seeing cousin Tommie sometimes on palisades avenue as I would be heading to work lol! Keeping you guys in our prayers!
Love always,
Michele, Stacey, Barry, Kirk Sr, & Alim Graham
Jean White
August 31, 2016
RIP My Friend Will forever cherish the memories of our families gathering together at your home. To Mary May God Continue To Comfort & Keep you & your family Will keep All Of You In Prayer.
Sharon
August 31, 2016
Daddy,
I am so grateful that God chose me to be your daughter. I am thankful that He gave me a father who taught me how to be strong, confident, determined, and bold. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and never doubting or giving up on me and supporting me in everything I ever wanted to do. While I know that it was time for you to rest I am devastated that you are not here anymore. I love you. Rest in peace.
Eunice Smith-Carson
August 31, 2016
I was truly saddened to hear of Tommie's passing. May God give you peace and comfort at this time.
Charles Johnson
August 29, 2016
May God bless and keep you is my prayer as you celebrate the life of your loved one.
Charles H. Johnson, Sr. Class of 1962 R.B. Hudson High School - Selma, Alabama
Rose Trojkovich
August 29, 2016
While Tommie is returning "home", he is leaving a big hole in many hearts. He was a part of our "EHMC Operating Room family" back in the "70's & 80's and although I can barely remember what I had for dinner the night before, I can always fondly remember Tommie as part of the group - such a kind, funny and lovable man - he will be missed by many! Godspeed, Tommie.
Robert & Frances Harris
August 29, 2016
We offer our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. We know how special he was for you. May God ease the pain in your heart. Our prayers are with you and your family.
In love & prayers.
willie Rogers
August 29, 2016
May God grant the family peace and strength in this time of sorrow.
Peace and love: classmate 1964
Edward Foster,
August 29, 2016
Rest in peace Brother, may the Lord be with you. We knew each other from the first grade of Elementary School, Payne School.
Linda Walker
August 28, 2016
My condolences, praying for you and your family
Yvette Legette
August 27, 2016
My deepest sympathy for the Clay family. Tommie was my neighbor when I lived on Manhattan ave. He was such a nice man who will truly be missed. He always greeted me "hey Vett" whenever he passed me on our block. RIP....
Yvette Legette
Carmen Smith
August 27, 2016
May the Lord comfort and give you peace the family. Mr.Clay had a heart of gold and will be missed.
Jacqulyn Foster
August 27, 2016
To my extend family the Clay's
What can I say about you uncle Tommie you was the listen ear that was never judgmental. You always had great advice. My heart is torn into pieces over your passing. I sit back an think about all the good times that we as a family had with laughter and jokes. You was not just Richards best friend you was his brother. When he became ill you was always right there with no question. Our family was truly blessed to be apart of your family. We will never forget you an what a wonderful person inside an out you where. My memory's go back to circle driveway alway to St. marks place. You are gone but not forgotten you will always be in our memorys and our hearts.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results