Ronald Lee Clay, 69, of Wheelersburg, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. He was born on March 17, 1956, in Portsmouth, the son of the late Homer Clay and Ruth Collins Clay Glenn.
On December 12, 1973, he married Sheila Faye Hutchinson Clay in West Portsmouth. They remained married for 41 years until her passing on January 28, 2015.
Ronald, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He worked in a factory before retiring due to illness and enjoyed time with family and science fiction.
Surviving are two sons, Michael James Clay of Wheelersburg, and Christopher Lee (Megan) Clay of Portsmouth; two daughters, Brandie Ann (Shannon) Fitzpatrick of West Portsmouth, and Jamie Leeann Ruth Clay of Southern Webster; four brothers, Joe (Pat) Webb of Fremont, Lonnie Ray (Pat Friend) Clay of Wheelersburg, Pee Wee (Sandy) Clay of South Shore, KY, and Greg Glenn of IN; four sisters, Patty Ann Friend of Tiffin, Susie Skaggs, Linda Sue Jones and Jodi Kerns, all of Portsmouth; seven grandchildren, Kelsie (Ashley Bailey) Clay, Brooke (Andrew Scott) Fitzpatrick, Destiny (Dwayne Blevins) Clay, Tyler Fitzpatrick, Justin Clay, Mercedes Clay and Lexie Clay; and eight great-grandchildren, Addyson Jade, Demi, Dawson, Willow, Harper, Hailey, Jax and Ella.
Ronald was also preceded in death by a son, Ronald Lee Clay, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Rev. Gerald Penix officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery with military rites offered by the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Guard.
The family will receive friends from 1 P.M. until the service hour at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
The flag of the U.S. Army will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Clay’s service to our country.
