Wednesday, April 8th, 2015
Rev. Geoffrey Clay
Reverend Geoffrey Clay, age 88, of Celina, passed away Monday evening, April 6th at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
Born March 3, 1927 in Bury, England, the son of Abraham & Elizabeth Holland Clay. He married Muriel G. Burrell on January 9, 1950 and she preceded him in death on July 10, 1974.
Surviving are their 3 children: Cathie Fox of Celina, David G. & Lisa J. Clay of Foster, Rhode Island and Sharon & Timothy Tuttle of Celina, 9 grandchildren: James Halbleib, Charles Halbleib, Vanessa Cubano, Heather De La Vega, Muriel Tuttle, Thomas Fast, Timothy Fast, Tara Fast and Raymond G. Clay, USN and 12 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a sister, Margaret Reiter and a son-in-law, Glen "Grinny" Fox.
Rev. Clay received his Bachelor's Degree from Ashland College and a Master's Degree in French and Spanish from St. Francis University. He was a Pastor for the Churches of God in North America for over 50 years.
He taught Spanish at Immaculate Conception, Parkway and Celina High Schools. He also was a French Instructor at the Western Ohio Branch Campus of Wright State University in Celina. Rev. Clay was a popular substitute teacher in the area for many years. He also had been a school bus driver.
An accomplished musician, Rev. Clay enjoyed music, and could play many instruments. But he particularly enjoyed playing the piano and organ, and singing. He performed on the "Morning Devotion in Song" Show, which was broadcast for many years Sunday mornings on WCSM Radio. His greatest pleasure was his family.
Visitation will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina on Friday, April 10, from 10:00 A.M. until 12 Noon, followed by the Funeral Service starting at Noon. Rev. Richard Van Horn and Rev. Jon Exman will officiate. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Center Township, at a later date.
In Memory of Rev. Clay, Memorials may be directed to State of the Heart Hospice.
Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.
