Donald C. Clay

Donald C. Clay, age 79, passed to his rest on March 13, 2018 in Lowell, MI after a year-long battle with salivary gland cancer. He is survived by his wife, Carol of 57 years; their five children, Marian & Larry Cruttenden, Donald & Michelle Clay, Timothy & Shelby Clay, Elizabeth Clay, Heather Clay & Alberto Reyes, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his step-mother, Mary and nine siblings, Mary & Floyd Young, Margie Clay, Robert & Mikki Clay, Thomas & Therese Clay, Jim & Rose Clay, Ann & Dave Hart, Patrick & Theresa Clay and Sean & Sue Clay.

Don was born in Grand Rapids, MI to Donald and Marian Clay. He graduated from Grand Rapids South High School and continued on to Andrews University where he met his wife and obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering. They continued on to the University of Michigan where he obtained a second bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy. Don worked at Allegany Ludlum Steel Corp. in Pennsylvania and was pivotal in purchasing, installing and operating the Scanning Electron Microscope. After being laid off in 1971, he returned to Michigan to work in his father’s metal stamping business at Pridgeon & Clay, Inc. Don worked in various aspects of the business and retired in 2008. His compassion and moral compass at work showed in how the employees loved and respected him in his leadership role.  Church leadership involvement was his hobby for most of his adult life, participating in committees and leading Bible Studies.  He especially enjoyed teaching Daniel & Revelation.  During his battle with cancer, he could be heard saying over and over, “God is Good!”

The family has decided on a unique event to honor Don where friends and family can come and go in an informal manner paying respects to Don and viewing a memory video playing on a 15 minute cycle.  The Viewing/Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 4 to 7PM at the Riverside Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church, 10300 Vergennes NE, Lowell. Parking is limited, so please find carpool friends.  Complimentary valet will be provided.  A private family memorial will be at the Bailey Cemetery on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Grand Rapids Adventist Academy. 

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