Gregory Charles Clay Obituary

Gregory Charles Clay was born August 18, 1951 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Charles and Alma (Scovill) Clay. He passed from this life, Friday, December 18, 2015 at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 64 years. 

Greg grew up and attended school in the Chariton area. He graduated from Chariton High School with the Class of 1969. Following high school, Greg attended the Culinary Arts program through Indian Hills Community College located in Ottumwa, Iowa. 

After college, Greg worked as a baker in the Hy-Vee bakery. Then he enlisted in the U.S. Marines in which he served three years for his country. During his time in the military, Greg had the opportunity of spending a year in Japan. His experience in Japan left a lasting impression and he enjoyed the oriental way of life. He also was stationed in San Diego, California and Camp Lejune in North Carolina. 

After the military, Greg lived in New Orleans, Sherman, Texas and Milwaukee, where he was employed at a machine shop. He also lived in Des Moines, Iowa where he was a cab driver. In his later years, he moved back to his hometown of Chariton. 

Greg was extremely talented at cross-stitch. He made several beautiful pieces for those in his family. In his spare time, he was an avid reader. The books he enjoyed the most were reality based and historical events as he was deeply interested in history. However, he would read about anything and basically had a library at his home. 

He had a love for children and enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, and cousins. Greg was considerably a family oriented person. He spent as much time as possible with his family and close friends. One of Greg’s great loves was for his beloved dog, Lucille Marie aka Lucy. Old cars, the British Royals, and preparing food were among his favorite pastime activities. He also enjoyed a good game of Trivial Pursuit and was dubbed the “King of Trivia”. Greg had a unique personality and saw the world from a new prospective. He was described as having a dry sense of humor and very witty without ever a dull moment in his company. It was stated that he did have a smidgen of what was referred to as “road rage” when driving, but again a very interesting experience riding with him. He will be dearly missed by those friends and family who were closest to his heart. 

Greg was preceded in death by his mother, Alma Mae (Scovill) Clay. He is survived by his father, Charles Clay; his sisters, Jeri Tresnak and Tammy Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, beloved dog, Lucy, cousins and dear friends.