Bill Clay, age 83 of Grand Rapids, MI passed away September 10, 2013. Born October 4, 1929 in Winfield, Kansas, Bill lived almost 84 years and had a great life here on Earth. He grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas as an only child to Lenora and Bill Clay. Growing up sports were his passion. He attended Arkansas City Junior College-ACJC (now Crowley County Community College) where he played Football, Basketball and Tennis. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 for basketball and tennis. After two years at ACJC, he went to the University of Colorado on a Basketball Scholarship where he was a starter. Bill graduated from CU and played a number of years on a semi pro team from United Gypsum Corp. before being hired by Union Carbide in sales. Union Carbide brought him to Grand Rapids where he met the love of his life Sara Carveth. After marriage, Bill and Sara had four children, Lynn Crilley of Fort Collins, CO, Jim Clay (Lisa) of Fort Collins, CO, Jodi Landefeld (John) of Kennewick, Washington and Jon Clay (Tahni) of Fort Collins, CO. There after Bill was graced with 11 grandchildren. He is survived by Sara and all his children and grandchildren. Bill worked at Union Carbide for 30 years and then First Brands thereafter. He was a consummate salesman who counted many of his customers as his friends. Bill was always an avid fisherman and golfer and got to spend his retirement years doing both, including being a ranger at Schuss Mountain Golf Course for over 25 years. He and Sara split their time between Grand Rapids and Bellaire, Michigan and count both places as home. Bill was loved by many for his laughter, jokes and his ability to make you feel special. Visitation will be held Friday, September 13th, 4-6:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen- Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road, Grand Rapids. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 14th 1:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 1815 Hall Street S.E., E. Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Bill Clay.
