A Celebration of Life Service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the chapel of Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland for Joseph Griffin Clay, 69, of Brighton, Tenn., who died on Monday, April 28, at his residence with his beloved wife by his side. Burial followed in Moorhead City Cemetery in Moorhead. The Rev. Perry Irvin officiated. Visitation was held from noon until service time on Saturday, May 3, at Cleveland Funeral Home.
Joseph was born on March 30, 1956, in Greenwood, the son of the late Nathan Thomas and the late Anne Frances Griffin Clay. He graduated from Greenwood High School and furthered his education at Delta State University. Joseph had a successful career as a salesman for New Deal Tobacco and dedicated more than 20 years as a supervisor at Utiliquest. On July 3, 1982, he married his beloved wife, Deborah “D’lea” Abel, in Duck Hill. Together, they moved to Brighton, Tenn., and made their home.
A devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather, Joseph cherished his family above all. He was a proud member of Christ Baptist Church in Greenwood. Joseph had a passion for watching NASCAR — his heart belonged to Talladega — football and pretty much all sports, and he enjoyed sharing these interests with his loved ones.
Survivors include, his wife of 43 years, Deborah “D’lea” Clay of Brighton, Tenn.; his son, Christopher Clay (Gelyn) of Salt Lake City, Utah; his daughters, Deanna Lea Clay Beattie of Carrollton, Samantha Jo Hilmus (James) of Phillip and Katherine Victoria Clay of Memphis, Tenn. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard Blackwell of Arkansas and several grandchildren, Declan Beattie, Annabelle Beattie, Lindsay Hilmus, Nathan Hilmus and Porter Hilmus, who will all cherish his memory.
Pallbearers were Nathan Hilmus, Bubba Ventura, Bo Womack and Steve Kent. Honorary pallbearer was Jack Turner.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net
Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland was in charge of arrangements.
