Obituary

Rocky Mount – Bobby Marvin Clay, Sr., age 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Born in Halifax County, NC on August 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Vester Bulluck Clay and Mary Bailey Clay. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Frances Frazier Clay; his brother, Vester Bulluck Clay, Jr.; and his sister, Kathleen Clay Crocker.

A man of great faith, Bobby was a long-time member of Southside Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, and a Sunday school teacher. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bobby served with both the 82nd and 11th Airborne Division until his honorable discharge. Devoted to serving his community, he retired as the District Fire Chief of the Rocky Mount Fire Department in 1992. Following his retirement, Bobby owned and operated Clay’s Electric Service. A devoted and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and good friend to many, Bobby will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Bobby is survived by his son, Bobby “Marty” Clay, Jr. and wife, Kim, of Rocky Mount; his daughters, Robin Clay Clayton and husband, Don, Jr., of Hillsborough and Pamela “Pam” Adams and husband, Wiley, of Apex; his grandchildren, Sherry L. Powers (Patrick), Ashley E. Dickens, Sarah C. Dickens (Mel), Jamie L. Coppedge, and Katie R. Clay; his great-grandchildren, Blakely Powers, Adam Powers, Layla Almeida, Kayleb Almeida, Jaylinn Robinson, and Madilin Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Bobby’s life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Dr. CJ Cauble officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

The family would like to thank Transitions Life Care of Raleigh and their staff; as well as caregivers, Krystal and Vicky, for their dedicated service in caring for Bobby. A special thank you to Southside Baptist Church for their support and prayers.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Bobby’s name to Southside Baptist Church, 4948 Carter Rd, Elm City, NC 27822.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.