Dr. William H. Clay, Jr., affectionately known as "Flip," of Hopewell, Virginia, peacefully transitioned on Saturday, June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 7, 1967, to the late William H. Clay, Sr. and Annie Mae Marsh Clay. William accepted Christ at an early age at First Baptist Church of City Point in Hopewell, Virginia. God led him to join Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, in January 1999, where he faithfully served for more than 25 years. During his membership, he was involved in the Beyond the Walls Ministry and the Men's Ministry.

William proudly graduated from Hopewell High School in 1986, Hopewell, Virginia. During high school, he was the Assistant Manager for the Hopewell High School Blue Devils Basketball team which contributed to his popularity.  He later graduated from Charleston Job Corps, in Charleston, West Virginia.  He earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from West Virginia State College in May 1991, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia State University in May 1993.  During his undergraduate years at Virginia State University, he pledged  Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., Alpha Alpha Alpha Chapter in Spring 1992.  He received a Master of Education degree from Virginia State University in May 1998. Continuing his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Clay earned his Doctoral degree in Psychology/Education/Counseling from Argosy University in Washington, DC in 2010.

Because of his passion for learning and serving others it led him to pursue a career in education, where he devoted his life to making a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. He was an educator, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker, trailblazer and die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan.

His devotion resulted in Dr. William "Flip" Clay becoming one of the nation's most dynamic, life-changing professional school counselors. Dr. Clay changed so many lives that it resulted in his work reaching the halls of the United States Supreme Court.  He donated countless hours to various churches, non-profits, and community organizations. Dr. Clay brought light to dark places. He was a lifesaver when life-changing guidance was needed.  Beyond his work with youth, he was deeply committed to uplifting and empowering black men because he saw a need in our communities. Those who knew him will always remember his unmistakable walk—full of purpose, confidence, and pep in his step. He walked like a man on a mission, reflecting the passion, determination, and joy with which he lived his life.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy: his sister, Carmen C. Malone of Richmond, Virginia; his half-brother, William Cornell "Skip" Maple of Petersburg, Virginia; three aunts, Mildred Brown of Hopewell, Virginia, Ann Marsh of Bronx, New York, and Sonya Marsh of Richmond, Virginia; three uncles, Cornelius Clay (Daisy) of New London, Connecticut, Thomas Clay (Leticia) of Petersburg, Virginia, and Benjamin Brown of Hopewell, Virginia; his beloved godson, Justin Xavier Wilkins of Alexandria, Virginia; special cousins, Benjamin Brown, Jr. (Polly), Yvonne Scruggs, Cheri Brown, James "JJ" Baskerville, and James "Karo" Baskerville (Aritha) all of Hopewell, Virginia; Travis Sneed of Bowie, Maryland; Raymond Sneed (Shannon) of Baltimore, Maryland; Roland Holloway (Donita) of Richmond, Virginia; Krista Flowers (Ephrem M.) of Washington, DC; devoted friends, Dr. Howard Willis, Jr. of Waldorf, Maryland, Joy Mack of Vancouver, Washington, and Nicole Clay of Brooklyn, New York; along with a host of other beloved relatives, cousins, friends, colleagues, former students, and lives forever touched by his kindness and unwavering commitment to serving others.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Dr. William H. Clay, Jr.'s legacy of faith, compassion, service, and love lives on in every child he encouraged, every man he inspired, every audience he moved, and every heart he touched.

Fort Washington, MD

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 24, 2026, at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD, the Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr., Senior Pastor, eulogist, and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Co-Pastor, officiant.

Viewing for Dr. Clay will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Watch the funeral services live click here to view: https://live.ebenezerame.org

Hopewell, VA

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 1, 2026, at First Baptist Church of City Point, 1117 Pierce St, Hopewell, VA, the Rev.  Rudolph Randall, Pastor, and Rev. Benjamin Brown, eulogist.  The interment to follow at Mount Sinai Community Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, July 31, 2026 at the funeral establishment.

Viewing for Dr. Clay also will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the church the day of the services.

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/6089363?fl=so&fe=fs