Benny Elbert Clay, age 86 of Oklahoma City, formerly of Newcastle, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in Oklahoma City. Elbert, more commonly known by his family, was born on September 29, 1930 in Cyril, Oklahoma. He was the twin brother to Delbert, and the youngest of six children born to Britton Hulett Clay and Della Roena (Whybark) Clay. Elbert grew up in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas and Oklahoma City, OK, and attended Capitol Hill High School. After high school he attended Draughon’s Business School for one year. On August 3, 1950, he married Patricia Ann Kuykendall. Together they raised three children: James and twins Terry and Tirzah. Also, in 1950, he began working for Wilson Foods in Oklahoma City. He worked there until he retired in 1993 as a supervisor, after 43 years of dedicated service. Elbert was proud to be an American and for 12 years, from 1951 to 1963, served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He and his family lived in the Oklahoma City area until 1968 when they moved to Newcastle. There, he faithfully attended the First Baptist Church of Newcastle serving as a deacon for 43 years until he was honored as Deacon Emeritus in 2011. Also, as a member of the church, Elbert taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served on various committees. In 1988, after 37 years of marriage, Patricia passed away. On December 9, 1989, Elbert married Barbara Floyd. In 2008, they moved to Oklahoma City. He and Barbara enjoyed 27 years of marriage traveling and spending time with family and friends before his passing. Elbert loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He enjoyed gardening, working in his yard and around the house; but, his favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing. He, also, enjoyed watching sports and playing games with family and friends, especially dominos. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather. He was a special brother, uncle, and a dear friend to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Britton and Della Clay; 1st wife, Pat in 1988; Two brothers, Clarence Clay and Delbert Clay; Two sisters, Elsie Mae Newell and Laura Dell McMullin;
He is survived by: Wife, Barbara Clay of the home. Five children, James Clay and wife Joy of Newcastle, Terry Clay and wife April of Newcastle, Tirzah Carrel and husband Kevin of Moore, Susan Freeman and husband Bobby of OKC; Randy Floyd and wife Brooke of OKC, One brother, Bill Clay of Newcastle, 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00pm Friday, April 21, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Newcastle. Interment will be at the Blanchard Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle.
