Richard Keith (Rick) Clay, age 78

Searcy lost one of their finest, most dedicated former teachers on Friday, October 25, 2024, when Richard Keith (Rick) Clay took his last breath on this earth.  His spirit could no longer remain in a worn out body with renal failure and other health issues.

Rick was born in Congo, AR near Benton on August 13, 1946.  He excelled in sports as a baseball pitcher and was a star basketball player with his 6’8” height.  He graduated from Bryant High School as Valedictorian in 1964 with a basketball scholarship to Arkansas A&M where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in math and physical education, followed by a master’s degree in special education from the University of Central Arkansas in 1969.

In 1967, Rick gave his life to Christ after studying with a friend and was baptized into the Church of Christ.  He and his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Clay, are members at West Side Church of Christ in Searcy.

Rick taught special education classes at Ahlf Junior High School and Searcy High School from 1985-2008, totaling 37 years in the field of education.

Rick was a man of multiple talents. He took a break from teaching and was the district manager of Lincoln Income Life Insurance.  He was also a builder, having built their last three houses. But of most importance in Rick’s life was serving God by teaching children to follow God’s plan for their lives.  Rick used his multiple talents to serve others and enjoyed doing so behind the scenes rather than being in the spotlight.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Elsie Clay of Benton, his brothers, Jim Clay of Paris, Wayne Clay of Benton, and Gary Don Clay of Benton.  He is survived by his sister Sue Mueller of Saukville, Wisconsin, his sister-in-law, Carolyn Clay of Paris, his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Clay of Searcy, and two sons, Sean Clay of Heber Springs and Ryan (Julie) Clay of Pittsburg, Kansas.  He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Layne McClendon of Searcy, Dylan (Micah) Clay of Temple, Texas, Colin (Elizabeth) Clay of Searcy, Matthew Clay of Pittsburg, Kansas, Raela Clay of Searcy, Searra Clay of Earlville, Illinois and Kennedy Clay of Salt Lake City, Utah.  He is also survived by his four great-grandchildren Laela, Cain, Carson, and Enoch. He was fondly referred to as “Popaw.”

The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at West Side Church of Christ with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to the West Side Church of Christ or In Search of the Lord’s Way.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com