Jack O. Clay Jr.

Jack O. Clay Jr., 62, passed away in his Syracuse, Utah home on May 1, 2024, after a brief, but fearless battle with cancer.

Born May 15, 1961, in Oklahoma City, OK, Jack graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1979, and joined the U.S. Air Force in December of 1981. Jack proudly served his country for 23 years, 4 months, then became a civil service employee in 2006.

At Hill AFB, Jack served in multiple roles within the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group including C-130 Crew Chief, C-130 Supervisor, and Quality Assurance Specialist with surveillance responsibilities over C-130 and F-16 maintenance.  Jack was passionate about his job and cared deeply about the people he worked with. He always took the opportunity to share his knowledge, mentor new mechanics, and improve the organization.

As an exceptional provider, Jack took great care of his wife, his family, and his home. He took great pride in maintaining a manicured lawn. He enjoyed planting flowers and growing vegetables in his garden. Jack was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching a variety of sports, especially notable is his love of playing golf, and going fishing.

Jack is preceded in death by his mother and father, Jack and Anna Mae Clay; brothers, Roy Grooms and James Clay; a sister, Judy Clay; a son Christopher Herndon; and grandson, DJ Reeves.

Jack is survived by his wife of 38 years, Celina; daughters, Pamela Whitaker and Debbie Johnson; sisters, Kathy Esposito, Annette Kandler, Karen Johnson, and Leslie Clay; brother, Kerry Clay; grandchildren, LaTasha, Kayla, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Caleigh, Chris, Nick, Matthew, Rachel, Kyle, and Rhlyee; great-grandchildren, Jahmari, Sa’riyah, Domonik, La’Shawn, Silas, Knoxlee, Preslee, and Mia; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank Intermountain Hospice, and the 309th AMXG team at Hill Air Force base for their service and support during this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Warehouse 22, 1068 West 350 South, Suite A, Syracuse, Utah, where full military honors will be accorded by the Combined Veterans Honor Guard at 6 p.m. sharp.

Services entrusted to Lindquist's Syracuse Mortuary. 

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of services by scrolling to the bottom of Jack's obituary page, where condolences may also be shared.

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