Washington – John Paul Clay, 63, retired deputy sheriff with Craven County, died on January 21 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Portsmouth, VA to George Bernard Clay and his wife, Mary Ann Nobel.
He attended school in Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and New Bern, NC. He worked for NCDOT for 28 years before pursuing his life’s dream of service in law enforcement with the Craven County Sheriff’s Department.
He started as a road deputy earning promotion to investigator and sergeant over EOMP, but his favorite position was serving as the SRO at West Craven High School. He made a lasting impression on many students and staff as witnessed by the outpouring of love and support during his illness. He also served as scoutmaster of Troop 197 and continued his involvement with youth teaching driver’s education for Jordan Driving School after his retirement from law enforcement. He was also involved with the Wounded Warrior Project providing guided hunts. He and his wife had recently retired to Tranter’s Creek in Washington NC.
He is survived by his wife, Annette “Wendi” Clay; daughter, Melissa Jo Clay; son, Michael Jason Ireland and wife, April; mother, Mary Ann Clay; brother, Michael Clay; sister, Helen “Cookie” Burkhalter and husband, Kurt; three beloved grandchildren, Jason, Bryson, and Caroline.
Source Citation: Smith Funeral Service & Crematory ~ Greenville, NC
He attended school in Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and New Bern, NC. He worked for NCDOT for 28 years before pursuing his life’s dream of service in law enforcement with the Craven County Sheriff’s Department.
He started as a road deputy earning promotion to investigator and sergeant over EOMP, but his favorite position was serving as the SRO at West Craven High School. He made a lasting impression on many students and staff as witnessed by the outpouring of love and support during his illness. He also served as scoutmaster of Troop 197 and continued his involvement with youth teaching driver’s education for Jordan Driving School after his retirement from law enforcement. He was also involved with the Wounded Warrior Project providing guided hunts. He and his wife had recently retired to Tranter’s Creek in Washington NC.
He is survived by his wife, Annette “Wendi” Clay; daughter, Melissa Jo Clay; son, Michael Jason Ireland and wife, April; mother, Mary Ann Clay; brother, Michael Clay; sister, Helen “Cookie” Burkhalter and husband, Kurt; three beloved grandchildren, Jason, Bryson, and Caroline.
Source Citation: Smith Funeral Service & Crematory ~ Greenville, NC
Washington – John Paul Clay, 63, retired deputy sheriff with Craven County, died on January 21 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Portsmouth, VA to George Bernard Clay and his wife, Mary Ann Nobel.
He attended school in Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and New Bern, NC. He worked for NCDOT for 28 years before pursuing his life’s dream of service in law enforcement with the Craven County Sheriff’s Department.
He started as a road deputy earning promotion to investigator and sergeant over EOMP, but his favorite position was serving as the SRO at West Craven High School. He made a lasting impression on many students and staff as witnessed by the outpouring of love and support during his illness. He also served as scoutmaster of Troop 197 and continued his involvement with youth teaching driver’s education for Jordan Driving School after his retirement from law enforcement. He was also involved with the Wounded Warrior Project providing guided hunts. He and his wife had recently retired to Tranter’s Creek in Washington NC.
He is survived by his wife, Annette “Wendi” Clay; daughter, Melissa Jo Clay; son, Michael Jason Ireland and wife, April; mother, Mary Ann Clay; brother, Michael Clay; sister, Helen “Cookie” Burkhalter and husband, Kurt; three beloved grandchildren, Jason, Bryson, and Caroline.
Source Citation: Smith Funeral Service & Crematory ~ Greenville, NC
He attended school in Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, VA, and New Bern, NC. He worked for NCDOT for 28 years before pursuing his life’s dream of service in law enforcement with the Craven County Sheriff’s Department.
He started as a road deputy earning promotion to investigator and sergeant over EOMP, but his favorite position was serving as the SRO at West Craven High School. He made a lasting impression on many students and staff as witnessed by the outpouring of love and support during his illness. He also served as scoutmaster of Troop 197 and continued his involvement with youth teaching driver’s education for Jordan Driving School after his retirement from law enforcement. He was also involved with the Wounded Warrior Project providing guided hunts. He and his wife had recently retired to Tranter’s Creek in Washington NC.
He is survived by his wife, Annette “Wendi” Clay; daughter, Melissa Jo Clay; son, Michael Jason Ireland and wife, April; mother, Mary Ann Clay; brother, Michael Clay; sister, Helen “Cookie” Burkhalter and husband, Kurt; three beloved grandchildren, Jason, Bryson, and Caroline.
Source Citation: Smith Funeral Service & Crematory ~ Greenville, NC
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