Charles Edward Clay jr.

Charles Edward (Eddie) Clay, Jr., sometimes known as George Jones, was born September 12, 1950, in Graham, Texas to Charlie and Bernice Clay. He passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by his family. He has two sisters, Barbara Melvin and husband, Kenneth, and Denice Cadena and husband, Hector. He married the love of his life, Janis Tarpley, on July 4, 1969. They celebrated every day of their life together for 56 years. They were blessed with two children, Charles Edwards Clay, III (Lil Ed) and wife, Kery and Monica Marie Howard and husband, Robert.
Eddie was devoted to his wife, family, church, Knights of Columbus and Jacksboro Volunteer Fire Department. If you knew Eddie, he was who he was, no hiding it.
Eddie was loved by many, including his brother-in-law, Randy Tarpley and Brenda. He was the best PaPa C to his grandchildren, Sage Clay and Paisley, Tyler Mustin and Josie, Dustin Howard and Savanna, Brandon Theesfeld, Brooklyn Theesfeld and Matt, and Kinley Howard, and his great-grandchildren, Tatum Mustin and Oliver Howard. He was also Uncle Eddie to Melissa Reeves and Mark, Pam Broten and Scott, Kenna Wittkowski and Paul, Clay Halliburton and Kimberly, Clay Tarpley and Kristin, Justin Tarpley and Robin. And Great Uncle Eddie to Jessica Krutson and Andrew, Turner Young, Eric Broten, Jeffrey Broten and Brooke, Kenneth Wittkoski, Scout Tarpley, Jentry Tarpley. Great-Great Uncle to Rome Crittenden, Nova Knutson, Tyson Broten, Cash Broten, Weston Young and Oliver Broten, Rowen Tarpley and John Tarpley.
Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bernice Clay and in-laws, John and Dorotha Tarpley.
Eddie's services will be at St. Rita Catholic Church, Ranger, TX, officiated by Father Josheph Pudota, Rosary will be on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 1:30 PM, and Mass will be at 3:00 PM. A Celebration and Visitation will be held at 5:00 PM following the Mass at The Lumber Yard located at 313 W. Main St., Eastland, Texas. All are invited to attend any or all of the celebrations. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home – Eastland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Freedom Thru Faith Foundation – http://Freedomthrufaith.org, Jacksboro Volunteer Fire Department – www.jacksborofire.com, Eastland Volunteer Fire Department – www.eastlandfire.com, St. Barbara Knights of Columbus C/O St. Rita's Parish, 1109 Blackwell Rd., Ranger, TX 76470, or your favorite charity.