Gary Leon Clay January 8, 1948 - April 27, 2022

Gary Leon Clay, 74, of Spanish Fork, Utah passed away at his home on April 27, 2022 surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 8, 1948, in Eugene, Oregon to his loving parents James Vernon Clay and Esther Petersen.

Gary grew up in Davis County where he attended and graduated from school. He went on to attend college at Weber State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

On March 23, 1974 he married his sweetheart, Karmel Eckhardt in Elko, Nevada. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple.

Gary was honored to have served his country. He served in the Army and fought in the Vietnam war from 1968-1970. He then served in the Utah National Guard’s 328th General Hospital Reserve. After his retirement from the Army, he was later called back into active duty during desert storm. He was then honorably discharged, and he continued his employment working for the State of Utah and Pleasant Grove city in Finance.

He loved to stay active in his community. He was a long time member of the Strawberry Days Rodeo committee from 1978-2006 and was on the Strawberry Days Committee from 1987-2007. He assisted with the finances and many other tasks, but especially loved his time as the committee chairman. He was a member of the Rough Out Riding Club as well as the Hobble Creek Riding Club. Gary loved the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, working with hunting dogs, and taking his pack horses riding in the beautiful mountains. He loved to take in the scenery while visiting every state and national park in the state of Utah. Gary was very family oriented. Nothing brought him more joy then supporting his daughter and grandson in all their various activities.

Gary was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong and beautiful testimony and loved serving in the singles ward and in many finance positions in the church.

Gary is survived by his dear wife, Karmel Clay and his 2 beautiful grandchildren, Joseph Sullivan and James (JD) David Sullivan Jr.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Esther Clay, and daughter, Denise. What a wonderful reunion they must be having.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. located at the Lakeshore Church Building, 5916 South 3200 West, Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may attend a visitation from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warrior project, Disabled American Veterans, or any local veteran’s association.