Billy Gene Clay

Billy Gene Clay was born on February 2, 1939, and the last born of three children to Charles and Cordie Clay. At the time of his birth, the family made their home in Elk City, OK., then later relocated to Brinkley, Arkansas where Billy graduated high school. 

He met the love of his life, Billie Pat Thompson of Holly Grove, at the local skating rink.  On  November 20, 1955, they made the choice of a lifetime commitment and were blessed with two children, Debbie and Tommy.  They were married 48 years until her death in 2003.

At age of 14, Billy entered the working world and began his first job sweeping floors downtown at The Esquire Men's Store. This is where he developed his fashionable dressing style. He later began working for Mr. Mason Clifton in the local newspaper, the Argus. After a time, Billy accepted a position with Senator Tom Allen at the Citizen Newspaper, where he remained until the building was destroyed by fire. Billy then began working at Cla-Clif Nursing and Rehab alongside his Dad. In time, Billy became the sole owner of the nursing home working as the administrator for over 45 years before selling the business in 2022. 

Billy’s community involvement included, former President of Brinkley Chamber of Commerce, former President of Brinkley Rotary Club, and Brinkley Citizen of the Year in 1993. He served on the following boards: Central Arkansas Planning Development District, Central Arkansas Private Industry Council, Mid Delta Community Service, Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute, Stuttgart Regional Hospital Foundation, and a member of the Claude Sims American Legion Post #68. 

Billy was also active in local politics, serving 16 years on the Monroe County Quorum Court, 2 years as Brinkley City Councilman and 12 years as Mayor of Brinkley. Billy was active in the Arkansas Health Care Association. He served on various committees, including District Five President, secretary of AHCA, and Second Vice president. 
During his tenure of public service, the following projects were accomplished: Monroe County Detention Center, Monroe County Health Department Clinic, Brinkley Convention Center, Brinkley Park and Recreational Complex, Brinkley Central Fire Station, and the Brinkley Industrial Building. 

Billy had a heart of gold. He loved his family and friends more than anything and  loved the City of Brinkley. Since his retirement, he enjoyed just riding around town and thinking about his years of growing up and visiting residents at the nursing home.

On April 15, 2025, at the age of 86 Billy passed away. He was preceded in death by his wife Billie Thompson Clay and son Tommy Clay siblings, Dual Clay and Ivalene Cambell.

Survivors include: his daughter, Debbie Kenney (Chuck), daughter in love, Carla Clay, grandchildren, Ryan Hollowell (Joanne), Andrea Andrews (Lauren), Alisha Price (Bill), Joshua Clay (Ashley), Kelsey Miller (Ronnie), fourteen great-grandchildren and nine great-great- grandchildren.