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TED CLAY Obituary

CLAY, Ted Norris, 81, of Lake Placid, Florida, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012, in Sebring. He was born April 16, 1930, to Norris M. and Hulda (Niemi) Clay in Quincy, Massachusetts, and had been a resident of Sebring since 1981, coming from Virginia. He was a member of the Highland Park Homeowner's Association; the Elks; VFW; American Legion and Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Chief. He was a Colonel in U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1980 in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a Basic and Advanced Pilot; Pilot Instructor and Test Pilot for numerous aircraft, including the C5A; Combat Crew TNG; Maintenance Tech Officer on the C5A and Aerospace Maintenance Director for 12 years. During his career he was awarded the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal with Star; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Air Force Presidential Unit Citation; United Nations Service Medal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He is survived by his wife, June D. Clay of Lake Placid; daughters, Krista Lynn (Ed) Bunger, Abilene, TX; Katherine Dawn Clay, Lake Placid and Lisa Jane Clay, Meridian, ID; sons, Michael Norris (Karen) Clay, Old Town, FL and Mark Douglas Clay, Lawton, OK; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephenson nelsonfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TBO.com on Feb. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Krista Bunger

February 10, 2020

Dad, I miss you but Im comforted knowing that you are in heaven, whole and healed and reunited with mom and mark. I see the legacy you instilled in us and am so grateful. Love you

Just 7 great grandchildren from Katherine's kids

July 29, 2014

His Squadron

July 29, 2014

Katherine Clay

July 26, 2013

Sometimes I just need to write you and say I love you and miss you.

Kathy Clay

April 16, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad. I will celebrate this day for you. I love you!!!

mike clay

April 13, 2012

happy brithday Col.you are always in my thoughts,I love you so very much.
michael

In the garden

Krista Bunger

April 12, 2012

Dad, you are my Hero, I am so glad that you are my dad and I will never forget all that you taught me, to be the best person that I can be. Thanks Dad!

mark clay

March 15, 2012

what a wonderful father, there are times in my life where I wish we could have been closer, He would say it was white and i would say its black, It was'nt tell I had my own boys. when I realized what he meant too me , it was to late. So never let a day go by to let your parents know you love them and to thank them for everything you got. Miss you and love you Dad

March 15, 2012

things are so hard some time i just set and start to cry and than i feel his hand on my shoulder and hear him say its ok son stop cryin you can do it. i miss him so much.

Martha (Niemi) Garland

March 14, 2012

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my cousin, Ted. Had always admired him from afar because he had risen through the ranks in the military although I never met him until I had the occasion to visit Uncle Van in Florida in the early 80s. Always felt a kind of affinity to him knowing he was my Aunt Hulda's son and now feel a sense of loss that another part of our family is gone. Sending prayers and condolences to June, Kathy, and all his loved ones.

Susan Hall

March 13, 2012

Uncle Ted was like a second Dad. I cherish the memories I have of growing up with family on Smith Mountain Lake. At the time, I never realized they would be the best memories in my life. Uncle Ted played a big part in those wonderful memories. I will have to tell you about him "flying" on the air boat. He tried that with me one time, ran us aground and had to carry me "piggy back" back to his yard because I was afraid of snakes/alligators and refused to get out of the airboat and walk back home. He never ran aground with me again. God loves him and so do I. I miss him greatly but he live on in my heart and memories. With my love to all of his loved ones, Susan Frith Hall

Married 1954 to eternity

March 12, 2012

Fighter Pilot

March 12, 2012

Thirty years as an officer in the Air Force loved his country

March 12, 2012

Family reunion

March 11, 2012

Keith Campbell wrote him a song.

March 11, 2012

He could always make me feel better.

March 11, 2012

Keith Campbell..a very good friend.

February 26, 2012

February 19, 2012

June, Ted was not only my mentor, he was my true friend.He was the finest "Military Boss" I ever had---Made of nails.Albeit, Honest, fair, caring, smart,sincere,forgiving, trusting, et. al.. I loved Ted--RIP--- Col Linus R. Wilks, USAF (Ret)

Rick Ellett

February 19, 2012

June and family,
I just heard about Ted passing away yesterday(2/18/12).
Very sorry to hear this.
I have missed you all since you moved to FL.
Ted, June,JB and Joyce were family to me here at Smith Mountain Lake.
We sure had some of the best times.
Continue to soar with the eagles my friend.

He put the pool in for mom, but he spent alot of time taking care of it. My job now.

February 19, 2012

Built this boat back in th mid 80's had Cadillac engine 500 and was 18 ft.

February 19, 2012

Family reunion 2011

February 19, 2012

German hat dad traded his with him in Germany

February 19, 2012

Melissa Decker

February 18, 2012

You are gone, but your memories will live on! I'm amazed the more I hear about you since you have passed! You truly are an american hero! But I just knew you as "grandaddy." I love you so much and will miss you until we can be together again "one sweet day." Love, Melissa, Kenny, and Olivia

I love you Dad.

February 18, 2012

Family reunion 2010

February 18, 2012

Last family reunion 2011

February 18, 2012

Being silly

February 18, 2012

Ted with twin sons Mark and Mike

February 18, 2012

Eric Snow

February 18, 2012

It was an experience to say the least, to hear your stories and experiences in life, to go air-boating and getting stuck, and to just hang out and have a drink with you.
To the Clay family, my condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

February 18, 2012

I'll take care of Mom from here on out. I love you, Kathy

He always wanted to feel like he was flying.

Ted Clay

February 18, 2012

February 18, 2012

I love you dad,your son michael

Jim Roche

February 17, 2012

Pat and I extend to June and the entire Clay family our deepest and sincerest condolences. Ted was a dynamic and totally engaged leader. He was my boss for a year or so at Rhein-Main and I took his place as the Deputy Commander for Maintenance when he returned to the States. He was a truly outstanding officer and my friend. Ted had an exuberant love of life that has never been surpassed. It was always a joy to be in his presence. “So I'll meet ‘im later on, in the place where ‘e is gone” and we'll share a bottle of Guntersblumer Spatlese. So long Ted! I hope those angels that usually do the job arranged for a C-5 to carry you to your rest.
James Roche, Colonel, USAF (Ret)

Ted Gruber

February 17, 2012

There is no single word that will express my emotions adequately. Suffice it to say "GOODBYE FRIEND"

February 16, 2012

My prayers are with you in this most difficult time. I worked at En Route maintenance 1977-1980; Col Clay was a respected leader. Ernesto Goenaga (Major, retired)

Dean Winters, Chief (ret)

February 16, 2012

I am very saddened to here of the loss of Col Clay. I worked in the C-130 section for several years with the Col as our DCM. It was an honor and a privilege to have worked for and known him. A great leader and friend.

Floyd Johnson, LtCol (ret)

February 16, 2012

My condolences on your loss. When Col Clay was at Rhein Main, I was at the Airlift Div at Ramstein and worked closely with him on several occasions. A true gentleman!

Bill Enfield

February 16, 2012

My deepest sympathy for your loss. T. C. the "BOSS" One of the best. May God bless you all and guide you through this dificult time.

Arthur J Rooney, Jr Maj Gen USAF (ret)

February 16, 2012

Helen and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked under Col. Clay at Rhein Main AB, Germany from 1978-1980 as a young Captain. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

D.S

February 16, 2012

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. How deep the pain of death is for every one. May the God comfort help you through this difficult time.

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Homes and Crematory

February 16, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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