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Thomas Clay Obituary
The Reverend THOMAS DAVIES CLAY
The Reverend Thomas Davies Clay died on Friday, September 9, 2022 at his home in Accokeek, Maryland. Thomas was 84 years old. His childhood was spent in Ashland, Kentucky.
Thomas graduated from Marshall University, then graduated from the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1967. He served Episcopal churches in Paris, Kentucky, LaGrange, Georgia, Front Royal, Virginia, California, Maryland, and Wayside, Maryland. In addition to being an active parish priest, Thomas was an avid paper modeler and woodworker. In his later years, he specialized in recreating European cathedrals. He created a website, Cathedral Quest, showcasing this work. His work was also shown at Catholic University, "Great Churches in Miniature," in October 2017. Thomas embraced Kathleen's love of European cathedrals, and during their 25-year marriage they traveled extensively through Europe, visiting castles and cathedrals. After retirement, Thomas served as a docent at the Washington National Cathedral, giving to tours to attentive visitors and school groups from across the US and the world.
Thomas is survived by his wife Kathleen Jenkins O'Day of Accokeek; his children and their spouses, Mark Clay and Bevin Lewis of Boyce, Virginia, Kathryn Clay Bertrand and Jamey Bertrand of Jamestown, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister Ann Clay Irons and her daughter Mary Jane Irons of Farmville, Virginia. Thomas is survived by his three beloved grandchildren. His marriage to Margaret Boley Clay ended in divorce.
Thomas is also survived by his stepchildren Kim Hutchinson and husband Todd and their children of Washington, DC, and Ann Jaeger, also of Washington, DC.
Thomas Clay's funeral will be held at 1 p.m., September 20, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 228 S Pitt Street, Alexandria Virginia. A reception at the church will follow the service. Gifts in memory of Thomas may be sent to the Lazarus Ministry, St. Paul's Church, or to The Humane Rescue Alliance, 71 Oglethorpe Street NW, Washington DC 20011. Thomas' beloved dog, Jeremiah, was rescued by the Alliance.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Clay
6 Entries
Gretchen Saunders
September 19, 2022
In our prayers at church today, we gave thanks "for the faithful witness of those whose lives have inspired and enriched our own, whose words of encouragement, guidance, and strength have given direction and shaped our lives in memorable ways." Tom was such a person for me. As a member of his Calvary congregation, I learned the joy of serving in everything from altar guild to choir, Sunday school, and lay Eucharistic ministry. His Kerygma Bible study course gave me an understanding of the Bible that has sustained me for 40 years. I was blessed to know him. Rest in peace, Tom.
Linda Mills
September 18, 2022
Big hugs all around. He will me missed.
Kent L. Hibben, Fellow Moyaone Reserveler, also of the Faith
September 15, 2022
Dear Spirit of Reverend Tom, and to all your family:
I am honored to've known you, and to be able to travel virtually across the Christian World with you, courtesy of the exquisite Faith-Full models you constructed from every conceivable areas' architecturally wonderful "houses" of Worship. I join those praying for the Peace of your Spirit, and in thanks for the countless travelers who were brought closer to Him, through your 3D tours and your global reach of 3D monuments, surely crafted with His guiding hand alongside yours, to help immortalize the Good Word.
Barbara Beach
September 14, 2022
Sending love to Kathleen and to Thomas´ children at this very sad time. Thomas was such a good man - welcoming, warm, studied and creative. Am grateful that I got to know him.
Priscilla Smith
September 14, 2022
Kathleen and the extended Clay clan: Condolences on Thomas´ death. He was a really nice man and I enjoyed our interactions at St. Paul´s, especially dinner group.
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