MSgt. Clay D. Washington

Clay Dean Washington born to Ozie Washington Sr. and Leola Washington on June 9, 1944 in Beggs Oklahoma of Okmulgee County. He is the 3rd oldest of 9 siblings. He attended Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, his family then moved to Arizona where he worked in a bakery while attending Phoenix Union High School where he later graduated. He loved singing with his dad and his siblings. Clay left home at the age of 19, June 2,1965 to join the United States Air Force where he served as a 70270 Administrative Technician, and was Honorably discharged after 22 years of service at the rank of MSgt. (Master Sergeant) in 1987 from Lowry AFB Colorado. Clay loved hanging out at The Retired Enlistment Association (TREA) hosting fish fry's. For many years he worked with The Twin Society Association, formed by him and Charles Anderson (Andy) in 1995. The two Geminis also started the Motown Revue in 1999 and was enjoyed by all until 2016 for 17 years. The Twin Society Association created a scholarship program to raise money for kids to go to college. Clay loved “Keeping it real” which was his sign off and a cool salute with two fingers off the head”. Family was important to him. Underneath Clay’s imperfections, he was sensitive, loved keeping the peace, very caring and loved his sons Derrick and Delano, their families, his siblings and nephew Ernie, who was more like a brother/son to him. After his fathers death, Clay became the family's Patriarch. Clay took pride in Home Improvements along with his running buddy Ronnie McQueen, he enjoyed hobbies such as DJ, singing karaoke, doing a few jigs, playing dominoes, pool, bowling and especially loved quiet time, and long drives wherever with his love, Ann Smith listening to Lee Williams. He loved to cook and entertain family and friends, He was quite the Host!. It was said that he made the best sweet potato pie that was discovered during a pie contest Thanksgiving 2016 at his son Derrick’s home. Clay was known as a man with style and loved a good Fedora hat to go with just about every outfit even if it was a baseball cap. He was preceded in death by his parents Ozie Washington, Sr., and Leola Washington, Eldest sister(s) Bobbie Jean Moss, Madlean Colter and brother Ray Dean Washington. He leaves to cherish his memories: Colorado Family, Ann Smith, Derrick L Washington (Pamela),Delano Washington, Ernie Colter, all of Denver Colorado. Three grandchildren, Gabriel Hicks, Bryton Washington and bonus granddaughter Zindayah Wells, Arizona Family Glyn Y. Williams(Dan), Ozie,Jr., Kenneth (Cynthia,)Tommy D.(Nina), and Duane E.(Gloria) Washington, and a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives. Clay was tired and his body said no more on this side of earth he left this temporary home and moved to his eternal home with Jesus, March 16, 2024 at 10:46pm with his long term partner and fiancé Ann and eldest son Derrick right by his side. We are going to miss “Pawpaw” known by grandchildren/daughter in law, “Dad” known to his sons, “Baby” known to his fiancé, Ms. Ann “Clay” to everyone else. He was one swift dude.

MSgt. Clay D. Washington

June 9, 1944 - March 16, 2024