Welton Jerrel "Jerry" Clay, at the age of 76, was called home on February 4, 2021 at Cox Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Jerry was born in Dexter, Missouri, on August 14, 1944, at the family home. He was the son of the late Ansel McLarance Clay and Margaret Ellanor Phegley Clay.

Jerry was united in marriage to Phyllis June McMullin on June 26, 1964 in Essex, Missouri. They shared 56 wonderful years together and to this union three children were born, Jera, Matt, and Brad.

Jerry was a member of Risen Church in Dexter, Missouri. After graduating from Richland High School, he joined the National Guard. Jerry had an unmatched work ethic. Hard work was instilled at a young age on the family farm and followed him throughout his life, serving the local farming community. He was co-owner / operator of C&K Fertilizer Company.

Best of all, Jerry was a wonderful Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, and Friend, loved by all. We will miss his one-line humor, but Aiden will remind us “every day of the week and twice on Sunday”.

He leaves behind his wife, Junie; his sister, Sara Mae; his daughter Jera Ann & husband Jimmy; two sons, Matt & wife Sherry, and Brad & wife Stephanie; eight grandchildren, Clay, Joe, Sam, Matthew, Katie June, Andrew, Aiden, and Emma Grace; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bo and Gary Clay; sister-in-law, Carolyn Clay; and brother-in-law, Vearl Knight.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. Funeral services will then be conducted at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Malloy officiating. Interment will follow in Essex Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38101.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.