Harold

Clay Jr.

In Loving Memory of Harold Clay Jr.

Sunrise: August 27, 1950 Sunset: November 5, 2026

“Once a Marine, Always a Marine.”

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we celebrate the life and legacy of Harold Clay Jr., who peacefully departed this earthly life on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the age of 76.

There will be a visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a funeral service following at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Military honors will follow the service. 

Harold was born on August 27, 1950, to the late Harold Clay Sr. and Floretta (Tate) Clay. He attended LaBelle High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and graduated before beginning the next chapter of his life.

In 1972, Harold proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1972 to 1976. Being a Marine was not just something Harold did; it was a part of who he was. He carried the values of honor, courage, commitment, and loyalty throughout his life. He was extremely proud of his military service and always held the title of United States Marine close to his heart.

After completing his military service, Harold returned home to Rock Island, Illinois, where he began his career as a truck driver. He worked for Alter for many years, dedicating himself to a profession that took him across countless highways. His journey later led him to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., where he continued working in the trucking industry. Harold was a hardworking man who believed in dedication, responsibility, and providing for his family.

On August 23, 1980, Harold was united in marriage to Bonnie Clay. They shared many years of love, family, and treasured memories until her passing on November 6, 2005. In 2011, Harold married Cindy Jones, beginning another chapter of love and companionship in his life.

Harold was a man who found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, and cheering for his favorite team, the Chicago Bears. He especially loved his weekly conversations with family, often spending time talking, laughing, sharing stories, and catching up on everyone’s lives.

Family meant everything to Harold. He treasured visits with his children and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Every visit, conversation, and shared memory held a special place in his heart.

Harold also had a special love for his two beloved dogs, Tigger and Rusty. He enjoyed taking them on daily walks and took great pride in caring for them. They were his faithful companions and brought him much happiness.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory

Harold leaves to cherish his loving memory his beloved wife, Cindy Clay; his two daughters, Angela (Timothy) Bragg of Moline, Illinois, and Brande Kincaid of Longview, Texas; his sons, Don (Barbara) White, Terrence Clay, Darriel Clay, Robert (Rhonda) Clay, and Anthony Sr. (Tiffany); his stepdaughter, Crystal Jones; and his stepson, Eric Jones.

He also leaves behind his loving siblings: Diane Clay, Sue Sharp, Ella Clay, and Charleen Coleman, all of LaBelle, Missouri; Mildred Clay of Canton, Missouri; Larry (Sandy) Clay of Keokuk, Iowa; and Wilbur (Christy) Clay of Palmyra, Missouri.

Harold’s legacy of love continues through his 53 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Preceded in Death

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Clay Sr. and Floretta (Tate) Clay; his beloved wife, Bonnie Clay; his brothers, David Dewayne Clay, and Charles Virgil Clay; his sisters, Lori Ann Clay and Gracie Smith; his son, Kenneth Clay Sr.; his grandson, Dontrez White; and his great-granddaughter, Da’Naija White.

A Legacy of Love, Strength, and Honor

Harold Clay Jr. lived a life filled with dedication, strength, service, and love. He was a proud Marine, a hardworking truck driver, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

His family will forever remember his voice during those weekly phone calls, his love for fishing, his excitement while watching the Chicago Bears, his daily walks with Tigger and Rusty, and the joy he found in spending time with his family.

Although his earthly journey has come to an end, the love he shared and the memories he created will continue to live on through the many generations of his family.

Rest peacefully, Harold Clay Jr. Your work here on earth is complete. Your service to your country will always be honored, your love for your family will forever be treasured, and your legacy will never be forgotten.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Forever Loved. Forever Missed. Forever Our Marine.