Obituary of Samuel Clay, Jr.

Samuel Rayford Clay was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born and raised in Chicago Illinois where he attended Coyne American Institute and graduated with honors. When Sam and his family moved to Michigan, he continued to further his education at Davenport College. He studied medical records and later worked and volunteered at South Haven Hospital in South Haven Michigan. Sam loved music with a passion! He was a disc jockey for many years throughout Chicago and Maywood Illinois. His closest friends called him “Jabo” but at home he was papa Jabo. Sam also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, chess, dominos and watching movies. To cherish his memories, he leaves behind his wife Lillie Clay of 47 years and 11 children: (Karlisa Hickman, Mario (JoAnn) Hickman, Lamone (Tosha) Hickman, Tamika Hickman, Sabrina (Reginald) Osteen, Lakisha Hickman, Samantha (Demetrius) Dunbar, Tonya Swaspy, Samuel Clay, Darren Clay, and Emmanuel Clay. Samuel Clay also leaves behind, 1 brother Larry Rayford Clay, 1 sister Delores Barnes, 2 sister in-laws Dora Clay, Betty Lawrence, 34 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Samuel Clay was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Rayford and Susie Harts McCurdy. Also 5 brothers and 2 sisters: Orlandis McCurdy, Dewitt Clay, Sterling McCurdy, Donald McCurdy, James Clay, Henrene Stevens, and Barbara Jean Clay.