Jeff Clay

Jeff Clay, 83, of Kissimmee died Tuesday, December 8th after a brief illness, surrounded by his family. Jeff was born in Huntington, WV on December 7th, 1926, the second son of the late John and Otha Clay. Jeff married Lucia Perez on August 10, 1952 in Tampa, FL. Jeff & Lucia met while they were both undergoing rehabilitation for tuberculosis in Marianna, FL. In 1957, they moved to Kissimmee from Pine Castle. As Jehovah's Witnesses, Jeff and Lucia there joined a small group of fellow believers and helped build and start the first congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kissimmee. Today, there are over 30 English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Sign Language Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in Osceola County. Jeff started a small tire business from home in 1957?..his brothers, Jim and Don later joined him. When Jim retired in 1974, Jeff and his sons continued the family business known as Jeff Clay & Sons Tires. Today, Jeff Clay & Sons Tires is the oldest and largest tire business in Osceola County. Jeff was a member of the South Kissimmee Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. After retiring, Jeff enjoyed tending to his barn, cattle and citrus trees, but most of all treasured spending time with his wife Lucia, his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Jeff also looked for each opportunity to encourage those around him. He was well known to read the obituary pages and then send a personal letter to those who had lost their loved ones. In the letter, he would always include a Bible-based tract or brochure offering comfort. Jeff was a kind and generous man, looking out for those in need and offering practical assistance. Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lucia, his daughter Sherry (Bill) Marcoe, and two sons Johnny ( Laurie)Clay, and Jeffrey (Kelli) Clay. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jay (Danielle) Marcoe, Philip (Kayla) Marcoe, Ginny (Robert) Lassiter, Chelsea (John) Bassford, Shanna Clay & Austin Clay. He is also survived by one great-granddaughter, Ahna Lucia Bassford and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim and Don Clay, as well as a son, Robert Clay, and a grandson, Heath Clay. A Memorial Service for Jeff will be conducted by Bill Marcoe and will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located at 2441 Fortune Road in Kissimmee on Saturday, December 12th at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses or to Samaritan Hospice in his name.

Jeff Clay

December 7, 1926 - December 8, 2009