Gary Leonard Clay was born on September 19, 1955, to Martha Clay and Leonard Clay. He was called home to glory on August 3, 2026. Gary graduated from Hopewell High School in 1973 as a student athlete where he shared a special bond with his friends and "The Cassadines".

Gary retired and devoted his career to the Virginia American Water Company where he worked for 40 years and met his lifelong friend, Roderick Parker.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted significant other, Teresa Jarrett; three beloved children, Layla Clay, Iyashia Jarrett and Gary Jarrett; his loving sister, Freda Clay (Reginald Gibson); his legacy of grandchildren, Qua'Neto, De'Quan, Kiaja (Jaquon), De'Monte, McKenzie and Ky'Zeire; great grandchildren, Somaiya, Ania, Ashanti, O'Sahn, Ja'Sai and Hassan; and his nephew and nieces whom he treated like his own, Marcus Clay, Jamiesha Clay (Latif), Regina Hardison (Mark) and Marina Hardison. He also leaves a lifetime of memories, jokes, love and happiness to the First Street (South B) family (to include Ronnie Williams and Michael Spratley); his uncle, Ralph Fitzgerald; and a host of other family and friends.

At his core, Gary was a family man and often babysat his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He shared a special bond with his sister-cousin, Mary McGill, her children and grandchildren, Sandra McGill-Harris, Donna McGill Harpe (Dashaun, Kamani and Kaleef) and Marcia McGill (Ezekiel). He also shared special bonds with Rosa Goode, Jaquon Williams, Floyd Clay, Howard Clay, Wilbur Clay, Wendel Clay and his Amelia County family (especially the blue overall-wearing crew).

Gary has joined hands in Heaven with his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, met his great-grandson the late Quanell; cousin, Lincoln Coleman; aunt, Carl Lawrence; special friend, Rosa Jarrett; and is reunited with his best friend, Sonny Shands.

To know Gary was to know that he had a nickname for everyone. There may be names that he introduced you to family and friends that are nowhere near their name, but that was one form of his love language.

In his down time, you could always find him outdoors: grilling, hunting, fishing, riding his lawn mower, under his car porch with his legs crossed people watching/calling family on his flip phone, going to jobs with his son, doing handiwork or sitting on the porch with family at the Big House in Amelia County. Gary also enjoyed Westerns, watching The Cowboys play, completing sudoku books and playing Solitaire.

Gary was a one-call-away type of man and will truly be missed, but his legacy and memories will live on.

Special thanks to Rosa Goode for her dedication and care as an aide and support to Gary, Teresa and the family. The family would also like to thank the Staff of Chippenham Hospital Third Floor, HCA Virginia Tri-Cities Hospital, Twin Rivers Medical Center, Gentiva Hospice and all other family and friends who have supported Gary, Teresa, Freda and family during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 10, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Howard Clay, eulogist.

In lieu of floral arrangements or plants, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Leukemia Foundation or that memorial contributions be made to the family.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6109890?fl=so&fe=fs