Hoyt “Poppy” Clay

Hoyt “Poppy” Clay, 77, of Billings, passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, 2020. He was surrounded by loved ones, never leaving his side was his beloved wife Gayle. He battled pancreatic cancer never losing faith
or complaining. Hoyt was born Aug. 4, 1942 in
Carbon, Okla., to Hoyt Clay Sr. and Marion “Blakey” (Holloway) Clay, both of whom preceded him in death.
Clay settled down in Billings, with Gayle (Shelton) Clay in 1977 after a cross country adventure from California with all of their belongings and kids in tow for a better future. Together Clay and Gayle raised eight children; Ann Schoggins of McAl- ester, Okla., Don and wife Ronda Clay of Nixa, John and wife Lisa Williams of Greenwood, Ind., Denny and wife Shonah Shelton of Ellensburg, Wash., Kim (Clay- Baker) and husband Bob Luney of Crane, Ada Marie Fox of McAlester, Okla., Robyn Clay-Wilder of Clever.
Clay was preceded in death by son David Wayne Shelton of Clever, in 2000 and grandson Joey Philips- Clay in 2014. Blessed with 23 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren Clay genuinely loved each and every one of them.
Clay was preceded in death by his brother Doyle Junior Clay of McAlester, Okla. and sister Geraldine “Geri” (Clay) Malkowski also of McAlester, Okla. Nephews Carl, Clifton and Michael, nieces Patty and Rebecca. He is survived by his wife, Gayle of the home, and his sister Anna (Clay) Mooney of Alderson, Okla., nephews Clyde, Jerry Wayne and David Cravens, and nieces Becky, and Joyce Marie.
The Clays were members of Wrights Chapel Church in Hurley.
Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 in Meadors Funeral Home, Clever Chapel. Services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, also in Meadors Funeral Home, Clever. Burial immediately followed the service and took place in Smart Cemetery, Clever. Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.