Charles Lester "Charley" Clay

Charles "Charley" Lester Clay, 64, of Alderson passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief battle with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Charley was born on March 15, 1961, in Alderson to the late Paul A. Clay and Lenora Olive Armentrout Clay.

Charley served ten years in the United States Air Force as a C-5 Loadmaster in Special Operations. He then returned to his hometown and began his career in carpentry. With dedication, patience, and pride, he built and restored several beautiful homes alongside his brother-in-law Rodger Thomas before going out on his own, performing his passion for painting until he retired.

Charley loved riding the back country roads and taking in all their beauty. He loved spending time with his children, watching his grandchildren play, and the joy of a great- grandson. He was very proud of each of them and loved them dearly. Charley always reminded them he loved them "whole bunches and bunches with all of his heart."

Those he left behind to cherish his memories are his wife of thirty-one years, Tammy Clay, his one true love; daughters Ashley Holiday (Jordan) of Union, Brandy Clay of Asbury, Brittany Burdette, a niece that he raised and considered a daughter; Son Adam Clay (Hannah) of Alderson; step-son Michael Cales; brothers Joe Clay (Mary), Sam Clay (Sai), Jim Clay (Barbara); sisters Mary Ann Withrow, Betty Thomas; grandchildren Arianna Holliday, Charles Holliday, Madeline Clay, Elijah Clay; great-grandson Azriel Clevenger; mother-in-law Madeline Cutlip; brothers-in-law Curtis Cutlip (Darlene), Ray Cutlip; sisters-in-law Christine Ernst (Rick), Betty Young, Doris Delay (Larry); and several nieces and nephews.

Charley will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at the Fort Springs Missionary Baptist Church Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:00pm.

The family requests for those who wish to help cover expenses please contact Alderson Funeral Services and Smathers Funeral Chapel at 304-438-6141.

The directors and staff of Alderson Funeral Services and Smathers Funeral Chapel are honored to have been entrusted to care for Charley and his family during their great time of need.

Online condolences may be made at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com