GOLCONDA—Dennis “Denny” Franklin Clay, 74, passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday afternoon, April 30, 2019. He was a retired music teacher and Jr. High band director at Pope County Elementary School, in Golconda, IL. He also spent his retirement years driving a bus for the local Rides Transit and had great pleasure in serving his community.
He was a deacon, song leader, and choir director at his long-time church, Lighthouse Assembly of God in Metropolis, IL, and loved his church family. Dennis was born in Kennett, MO, on May 18, 1944 to Frank and Louise Clay. He was raised in the Kennett area.
He graduated from Senath (MO) High School in 1962. He married Barbara Sue Ponder on August 25, 1966. He then graduated from Bethel College in McKenzie, TN with a degree in Music Education in 1967.
He began teaching that same year and retired after 34 years of teaching including a 1-year stint in the Navy (1968-69) during that time. Dennis and Barbara enjoyed more than 40 years of marriage. As his family often says of Dennis, “To know him is to love him”.
He had a vibrant love of life and other people that was driven by his love for Christ. He never met a stranger. Most everyone who came into contact with him came away grateful for having done so.
He loved his family, especially his grandchildren. A conversation with him almost always involved music. It was common for him to have a song that he just had to play for you.
He enjoyed guns, trains, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Kentucky Wildcats, but his heart belonged to Christ. He often was moved with emotion while trying to speak of what the Lord had done for him. He started a choir at his home church and was responsible for many cantatas and specials that live on in the memory of those who heard them.
His marching bands maintained a standard of excellence seldom seen by groups of such a small size. The Pope County Junior High Band regularly won parades over bands double or triple their size. In his later years, he greatly enjoyed raising money for the Golden Circle by sharpening knives at the Golconda Farmer’s Market.
He often gave money out of his own pocket to those who had a need. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Clay; his children, Rev. Thomas Clay and wife Marla of Tuscumbia, AL; Jennifer Denton and husband Joe of West Paducah, KY; and Dr. Michael Clay and wife Melanie of Pensacola, FL.
He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Emily Clay Franks (Ethan), Aubrey Clay, Jesse Denton, Callie Clay, Carlie Clay, Chloe Clay, Collin Clay, Cole Clay, and Emma Jane Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Louise Clay. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Metropolis, IL.
Visitation will be at Lighthouse Assembly of God in Metropolis, IL from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4 with services to follow. Rev. Mark Russell, pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Collin Clay, Jesse Denton, Joe Denton, Ethan Franks, Bruce McClellan, and Sherman Shelby. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmie Cagle, Cole Clay, Billy Jones, William Lauderdale, Denny Lingle, Jimmy McAfee, and Robert Potterbaum. A graveside service will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Massac County, IL.
Lindsey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www. lindseyfuneral.com.
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