Willard Wilford Clay, 98 of West Portsmouth, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. He was born February 16, 1927 in Wurtland, Kentucky to the to the late Russell and Nannie Barnhardt Clay.
Willard was a retired Army veteran, who served in 3 different wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was a member of the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion and the VFW. Willard loved to dance, he was known as the “Dancing Daddy”, he loved playing golf, and he also like to listen to Bluegrass music.
Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernice Clay and his second wife, Patsy Ruth Clay whom he married on July 10, 1990, 5 brothers; Russell, Ronald, John Henry, Edisel and Billy Ray Clay, 2 sisters; Catherine Holcomb and Dorothy Oney.
Willard is survived a son, William W. “Billy ” (Yvonne) Clay, a stepson Douglas (Carol) Shultz and a stepdaughter Cindy (David) Lute, step grandchildren; Mark Lute and Stacey Lykins, 3 great step grandchildren; Mitchell Lute, Brady and Lyleigh Lykins, along with his special friend, Frances Craft.
The family would like to thank SOMC Hospice and Hospice Home Care for the special kindness and care for Willard.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.
