Obituary of Ralph Monroe Clay

Ralph Monroe Clay, 85, of Almond, North Carolina died Saturday September 27, 2014 after a long period of declining health. Ralph was born April 19, 1929 in Bennettsville, South Carolina to Floyd and Ruby Clay. He is a veteran of the United States Coastguard where he served as an MP. In 1953 he married the former Dorothy Mae Hancock. Ralph was an ordained minister of the Church of God and pastored churches in North Carolina. He retired to Almond, North Carolina in 1990. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his garden and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Ralph is survived by his wife Dorothy of 61 years; his 4 daughters, Deborah and Larry Bryson of Waynesville, North Carolina, Donna and Sam Huntley of Concord, North Carolina, Patti and Jeff Mathis of Bryson City, North Carolina, and Pam Clay of Salisbury, North Carolina; and his grandchildren Evan Mathis of Cherokee, North Carolina and Logan Mathis of Bryson City North Carolina; and his faithful animal companion Bonnie. He is also survived by Lambert Wilson a close family friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister, and grandson, Christopher Huntley. A celebration of his life memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, October 6, 2014 at Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson, City, North Carolina. The Reverend Eugene Moore will be officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Monday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to Westcare Hospice Care. The family would like to send a special thank you to Westcare Hospice and to the staff of Swain Medical Center for their care, compassion, and support.