In loving memory of

Michael Alan Clay
January 4, 1978 - March 1, 2011

Michael Clay, 33 of Dripping Springs, beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, passed away on March 1, 2011. He was born on January 4, l978 in Amarillo, Texas. While Mike's life was much too short, he filled his years with the things that are truly important: family and friends. He went after what he loved, he worked hard to build an honest and good life for his family, and he treasured the gifts the Lord gave him. Mike graduated from Bastrop High School and soon after he met his best friend and soul mate, Carolyn. They both went on to graduate from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Their beautiful daughter, Jessa, was born January 31, 2009. Mike was a patient, loving father and devoted husband and cherished every moment he spent with is wife and daughter.Mike was employed by the City of Austin as an Environmental Specialist. His good-natured spirit and strong work ethic made him an important asset to the City of Austin. He loved his job and took great pride in his work. As an avid outdoorsman, Mike loved to be on the river fishing, tubing, and kayaking with family and friends. Mike could build anything from an addition to his home to a playscape for his daughter. He would have built Jessa the moon if he'd had enough time.He was preceded in death by Lynne Sherrod (aunt), Marvin Sherrod (grandfather) and Joe and Jean Clay (grandparents) and Harold Symott (great uncle-in-law). Survivors are Carolyn Clay (wife) and Jessa Brooke Clay (daughter), Jan Sherrod Clay (mother), Ron Clay (father), Paul Clay (brother) and Monica Garcia (sister-in-law), Scott Clay (brother), Velda Sherrod (grandmother), Van Cook (father-in-law), Willie and Piper Smith (in-laws), Thomas Cook, Bradley Cook, Ryan Smith (brothers-in-law), William Cook (brother-in-law) and Farrah Quackenbush (sister-in-law), Joe and Elizabeth Cook (grandparents-in-law), Billie Hickman (grandparent-in-law), and many, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Mike's legacy will continue to live on through them and the many happy memories they made together. Michael will be remembered for his quick smile, devotion to family and friends, and the joy he brought to all those around him.In lieu of flowers, a College Tuition Fund has been set up in the name of Jessa Brooke Clay at Wells Fargo Bank. 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX 78745 (512) 443-1366

Tributes

Rebekah Barney wrote on Mar 10, 2011:

"I'll always remember that Michael insisted on re-writting my cover letter. He told me he was "very good" at that kind of thing & insisted. When he left EV Inspection for Land Use Review all he wanted was Fireworks, an Elephant & a Ferris Wheel. We all signed pictures & gave them to him.:) I will miss him & my prayers are with you all in this time of great loss."

BETSY BERRYMAN wrote on Mar 8, 2011:

"MICHAEL WAS ONE OF THE MOST PATIENT YOUNG MEN, THAT I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH. WHEN A CUSTOMER WAS DEMANDING EVERYTHING IN HIS IMAGINATION, MICHAEL COULD ALWAYS BE COUNTED ON TO CALM THEM DOWN, WHILE MAKING SURE THEY FULLY UNDERSTOOD ALL OF THE REGULATIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, A PERFECT EMPLOYEE."

Don Perryman wrote on Mar 8, 2011:

"To know Michael was a blessing. He will be sorely missed. Brother I will meet you at the clearing at the end of the path. Paddle on....fish on....."

Florence C. Raymond wrote on Mar 6, 2011:

"My sincere condolences to you Carolyn, Jessa and family on such a great loss. I pray that the Lord will bring you peace as you remeber all the good times shared during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that you all now have an angel amongst you always."

LeAnn Gutierrez wrote on Mar 4, 2011:

"I am grateful for all of the times wonderful memories we shared. When we moved here 7 years ago, we became family and you will always be uncle Mike to our kids. We honored our friendship to you by naming Sebastian Miguel after you. We will continue to honor you by doing anything and everything we can for Carolyn and Jessa. We love you!"

Reba Tucker King wrote on Mar 4, 2011:

"Sweet Carolyn, Little Jessa & Clay Family, There are no words to express this sadness. I pray that God brings you peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mike will always be remembered for his great smile and the friendly person he always was. God Bless."

Sylvia Limon wrote on Mar 4, 2011:

"My sincerest condolences to the Clay Family. May God grant you all that you need in this very sad time. And may you take comfort that Mike is with our Lord."

Kelli Bartsch Benoit wrote on Mar 3, 2011:

"So many good memories. What a great guy the world has lost. RIP Mike."