Colvin Cecil "Sonny" Clay Jr.

Funeral service for Colvin Cecil "Sonny" Clay Jr. will be held at Post Oak Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Rev. Larry Bollinger and Rev. Tim Wells will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 PM until time of the service. Following the church service burial will be held in Anniston Memorial Gardens with Masonic Rites.

Sonny Clay was born in Memphis, TN on March 9, 1933, and passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. He is survived by his sons, Buddy Clay (Gigi) of Candler, NC and Marty Clay (Jamie) of Casa Grande, AZ, Keith Koppen of Tilton, IL; daughter, Cindy Cheesman (Don) of Tilton, IL; granddaughters, Christina Ray of Jacksonville, AL, Tara Westbrook of Greenville, SC; grandsons, Donnie Cheesman of Tilton, IL and Cole Carter of Florida; five great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; his brother, Dennis Clay (Roberta).

Sonny passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, hard work, faith, and family. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Weaver, where he learned the values that would guide him throughout his remarkable life. From an early age, Sonny was industrious and determined. As a youngster, he delivered newspapers on horseback, already demonstrating the work ethic and grit that would define him. As just 16 years old, he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served for nearly four years at a base in Illinois. During his time in Illinois, he met his first wife, and together they welcomed two sons, Buddy and Marty. After completing his military service, Sonny began a career as a professional truck driver, a profession he would faithfully dedicate himself to for over 50 years. His time on the open road reflected his independent spirit, resilience, and commitment to providing for his family. In 1967, Sonny married the love of his life, Mardell. Together they built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and unwavering support. Sonny lovingly helped raise Mardell's two children, Cindy and Keith, embracing his role as a devoted husband and father. Sonny had a lifelong passion for racing. He loved stock car and quarter midget racing and was a devoted fan of NASCAR, rarely missing a race and proudly holding season tickets at Talladega Superspeedway for fifty years. The roar of engines and the thrill of the track brought him immense joy. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, owning and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and even purchasing a sidecar for Mardell so they could ride together and share the adventure. His faith was central to his life. A spiritual man who loved God, and his family, and his friends. He was an active and devoted member of Post Oak Springs Baptist Church and He was a member of the Jacksonville Masonic Lodge where he served as Chaplain and received his 50 year membership pin. He was also a Shriner and was active in the East Alabama Shrine Club. Sonny will be remembered for his humor, his sharp wit, and his extraordinary generosity of spirit. When his parents passed, he naturally stepped into the role of family patriarch. Through his leadership, love, and steady presence, he kept his family close and connected, a bond that remains strong today. His life was one of service, dedication, and unwavering love. Sonny's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he uplifted, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.