Clay Martin CROKER

1962 - 2016

CROKER, Clay Martin Born on January 10, 1962, Clay Martin Croker showed talent for drawing at a very early age. His first love was of dinosaurs, then Godzilla, Ultraman and eventually comic book characters. Before graduating from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Clay's first paying gig was as an airbrush artist at Six Flags. His first animation job was at Georgia's Stone Mountain laser light show. For Crawford and Primal Screen, he produced and voiced many national TV commercials. He then started his own company, Big Deal Cartoons, putting Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on the national map with the success of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, providing the animation as well as the voices for Zorak and Moltar. SG led to the Brak Show and Toonami. Later, Clay animated Aqua Teen Hunger Force and had a heavy hand in the development of the main characters, Frylock, Master Shake and Meatwad. He also provided the voices for Dr. Weird, Steve, and various characters. He became a fixture at various comic conventions and expos and was always humbled and flattered by the love and adoration of his fans. In his untimely death, Clay leaves behind not only a legacy not to soon be repeated, but also a vast collection of personal art, priceless movie memorabilia and a trail of brokenhearted family, friends and worldwide fans. He died at his home on September 17, 2016. Autopsy results are still pending. Clay's father, the late Marion Croker, owned Smyrna's iconic Gigi's Pizza & Pasta. He is survived by his loving mother, Ouida Croker, sister Julie (Mike) Thornton, both of Jonesboro, along with his nephew, Justin(Erika) Weaver of Acworth, and 5 great nieces and great nephews. Clay is also survived by former wife, April Stephens of Conyers. A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna. The family will receive guests immediately following the service.