Cyril Mantel Clay

Funeral services for Mr. Cyril Mantel Clay will be held on Thursday, February 13th, 2014 at 11:00 A.M, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Junior Davis officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Clay was born February 28, 1927 to parents H.T. (Hob) Clay and Abbie Mae McBrayer Clay. He was married to wife Betty Walker Clay on December 23, 1950. He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Talmadge W. Clay; and sister, Helen Clay Chambliss. He is survived by sister, Sylvia Cordon of Franklin. NC; brother, Charles Clay of Georgetown, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Louisville, where he served on The Board of Deacons, and for many years he taught the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class. Mr. Clay served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He later served for 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, and The 457th Civil Affairs Company in Starkville. He served as Educational Officer in the rank of Major. After WWII, he enrolled at The University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a B.S. in Science. He later received a Masters Degree in Education and School Administration from Mississippi State University. He also received a Specialist Degree in teaching. After having taught for several years, he received a National Science Foundation Scholarship from The University of Mississippi where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Zoology and Chemistry. Mr. Clay taught for many years in the Winston County schools, having taught at Nanih Waiya, Noxapater, and Louisville High Schools. He retired in 1986 as Principal at Louisville High School for 20 years. After retirement, he joined the staff at Winston Academy as Guidance Director. Mr. Clay enjoyed people and made many friends throughout the years. He touched the lives of many young people as they passed through his classes. He enjoyed camping, fishing, football, and especially traveling and seeing the world with his wife Betty. Serving as Pallbearers for Mr. Clay will be Olyn “Sonny” Clay, Dr. Todd Brand, Sonny Turnage, Trey Turnage, Burt Flannagan, and Farrell Rigby. Honorary Pallbearers will be M.D. McMinn, Harold Hudson, and The Deacons of First Baptist Church.