Joseph Griffin Clay

Joseph Griffin Clay, aged 69, of Brighton, TN, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Home with his beloved wife by his side.  

Born on March 30, 1956, in Greenwood, MS, Joseph was the son of Nathan Thomas and Anne Frances Griffin Clay. He graduated from Greenwood High School and furthered his education at Delta State University. Joseph had a successful career as a salesman for New Deal Tobacco and dedicated over 20 years as a Supervisor at Utilaquest. On July 3, 1982, he married his beloved wife, Deborah "D'lea" Abel, in Duck Hill, MS. Together, they moved to Brighton, TN and made their home. 

A devoted, loving husband, father, and grandfather, Joseph cherished his family above all. He was a proud member of Christ Baptist Church in Greenwood. Joseph had a passion for watching NASCAR, his heart belonged to Talladega, football, and pretty much all sports and he enjoyed sharing these interests with his loved ones.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Frances Clay. He is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Deborah "D'lea" Clay of Brighton, TN; his son, Christopher Clay (Gelyn) of Salt Lake City, UT; his daughters, Deanna Lea Clay-Beattie of Carrollton, MS, Samantha Jo Hilmus (James) of Phillip, MS, and Katherine Victoria Clay of Memphis, TN. He also leaves behind his brother, Richard Blackwell of Arkansas, and several grandchildren: Declan Beattie, Annabelle Beattie, Lindsay Hilmus, Nathan Hilmus, and Porter Hilmus, who will all cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Cleveland Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Moorhead City Cemetery, Moorhead, MS. Reverend Perry Irvin will officiate the services.

Pallbearers include Nathan Hilmus, Bubba Ventura, Bo Womack, Steve Kent & Jim Saunders. Honorary pallbearer is Jack Turner

The staff at Cleveland Funeral Home is honored to care for Joseph's family during this difficult time.