Clay E. BUZZARD

BUZZARD, Clay E.

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87, passed away suddenly on February, 7, 2013 in Boynton Beach, Fl. He was born Feb. 23, 1925 in Braddock, Pa. He was married to Rita (McFarland), his wife for 64 years. He leaves behind 6 children, Karen Evanoka (John), James E., (Eileen), Robert C. (Marilyn), Richard A. (Jean) Daniel S. (Adria) and Dr. Carol Buzzard. He was grandfather to 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the 29th Infantry division and was a member of the 175th Battalion that entered France on Omaha beach a few weeks after D.-Day. He was wounded @ the battle of St. Lo in July 1944. Clay was honorably discharged in April 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal. Most recently, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French government for his service in WW II.Clay graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris College in 1953. He went to work in the automotive parts industry, and in 1963 he acquired Middle Atlantic Warehouse, an automotive parts distributor, in Tonawanda, New York. He served on many boards, received numerous awards, and in 1996 he was the recipient of the Automotive Aftermarket "Leader of the Year" award. He was Chairman Emeritus of the A.W.D.A University Foundation.Clay lived an extraordinary and exciting life. He maintained a close relationship with many friends and industry leaders during his entire career Clay's brilliant spirit, kind heart and high integrity resonated in the business he loved and was felt by every person who worked with him. He had a passion for playing golf and gin rummy. He was a member of the Country Club of Buffalo, NY, and Quail Ridge Country Club, Boynton Beach, FL. He made a difference in all the lives he touched and the people he spent time with.He was a kind, passionate, hard working and charismatic person who brought people together and gave them the opportunity to succeed in business and in life.A memorial service will be celebrated in Buffalo, NY later this month.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Clay to one of these two charities:Disabled American Veterans Memorial ProgramPO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301www.dav.orgWounded Warrior ProjectPO Box 758516Topeka, KS 66675-8516www.woundedwarriorproject.orgBoynton Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory, Boynton Beach, is in charge of local arrangements.