Elder Bennie R. Clay Sr.

Elder Bennie R. Clay Sr., 56, died Thursday, August 2, 2012 at his home, Liberal, Kansas. He was born October 17, 1955 at Altheimer, AR, the son of Johnny & Bertha (Rogers) Clay. He graduated from Altheimer High School in 1975.˜ He was a manager for Lowe's in Pine Bluff, AR.˜ Bennie moved to Liberal in 1990 and was a cook at Wheatridge Park Care Center. On March 7, 2006 he married Rita Willis.˜ She survives. Other survivors include five sons, Marcus Clay and wife Kim, Pine Bluff, AR; Brandon Clay and wife, Jessica, Chicago, IL; Bennie (B.J.) R. Clay, Pine Bluff, AR.; Tommy Willis and wife Roslanda, Abilene, TX; and Tyson Willis and wife Jennifer, Jacksonville, AR; three daughters, D.A. Herd and husband Darius, Pine Bluff, AR; Tonette Willis Austin & husband Kevin, Abilene, TX; and Stephanie Williams and husband Clarence, Abilene, TX; one brother, Willie Clay, Garden City, KS; five sisters, Ruthie Hall and husband Perry, Liberal, KS; Noveane Jones and husband, Curtis, Littlerock, AR; Joann Robinson and husband, Isaac, Pine Bluff, AR; Thelma Johnson, Pine Bluff, AR; and Lizzie Shelton, Jacksonville, AR; 16 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and his adopted parents Lincoln & Nina Clardy, Pine Bluff, AR.˜ He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Rafael Clay. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the Bibleway Church of God in Christ with Rev. Melvin Tatum presiding. Interment will be in Liberal Cemetery. Friends may call at Miller Mortuary 3-7 P.M. Sunday and 9 A.M.-7 P.M. Monday. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Bennie R. Clay Sr. Memorial Fund in care of the mortuary. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Elder Bennie R. Clay Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.