George Edward Clay Jr.

On June 9, 2026, George Clay passed away peacefully at home. George was born in Arcadia, Florida, on November 3, 1929, to George and Willie Bell Clay and grew up in Jasper, Florida. He entered the Navy in 1946 and served honorably for 23 years retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 1969. While enlisted, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree through the University of Maryland. After retiring from the Navy he completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He returned to Jasper in 1972 and practiced there for 25 years.

George met the love of his life, Mary Alderman, while stationed in Washington, DC, and they were wed in 1957. They celebrated an amazing 66 years together traveling all over the world including his military assignments in London, England, Naples, Italy, and Washington, DC. Their daughters, Debbie and Susan, benefited greatly from his love of travel, his love of history, and his crazy and clever sense of humor. Mary and the girls were often the focus of his many, wonderful pranks. He also wrote poetry, both serious and funny, to all of his girls. George never met a stranger, always had a funny story and was always up for adventure.

He served on the Jasper City Council for 12 years, several of which were as chairman. He was a proud patriot and active in the VFW Post #8095 in Jasper. He loved being an active member of First Baptist Church as long as he was able. This was the very church where as a child he accepted Christ and was baptized.

George is survived by his daughters, Debbie Bass (Steve) of Pinetta, Florida, and Susan Clay (Jen) of Valdosta, Georgia, his grandchildren, Christy Adams (David) of Madison, Florida and Clay Bass (Brian) of Valdosta, Georgia, his great-grand children Carter and Daniel Adams, and by his companion Carole O'Cain. George is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Margaret Phillips and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his wife Mary, his parents George Clay and Willie Bell Clay Sapp, his in-laws William and Blanche Alderman, brothers and sisters in-law, Warren and Mary Ellen Alderman, Betty Bailey, Scotty and Jean Humphrey, Wallace Sutton, and Arnold and Phyllis Sizemore.

The funeral will be on Monday June 15th at 11:00am at First Baptist Church in Jasper, Florida with visitation at 10:00am.