Ronald "Ron" Clay

Ronald “Ron” Clay, 73, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, crossed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on October 1, 1951, in Baytown, Texas, to Levi and Rowena Clay, Ron was rooted in family from the beginning. After moving back to Oklahoma as a child, he grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated as a proud “Spartan” from Southeast High School in 1969.

From a young age, Ron’s life revolved around faith, family, and sports. He had a natural talent and passion for athletics – excelling in football, basketball and especially baseball. Coached by his father, Levi, who played professional baseball, Ron became a force on the pitcher’s mound and earned recognition throughout the metro area.

While attending the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!), Ron met the love of his life – Carolyn Cook. They built a home, and a life grounded in faith, loyalty, and deep love. Together, they raised their family with strong roots and open arms.

Ron had a heart for service and nowhere was that more evident than in his work with individuals with special needs. There, he was a mentor, coach, and a fierce advocate. He helped develop programs, led clients in meaningful work, and coached competitive basketball and bowling teams in the Oklahoma Special Olympics. His players – the Warriors and the Wildcats – weren’t just teams to him, they were family! Under his guidance, his teams won state championships and more importantly, felt seen, valued, and celebrated. Ron also felt a deep spiritual calling to share the love of Christ. He served Christ through mission work with multiple churches and played an important role with the formation of The Four Winds, a tribal outreach and prayer group rooted with an agape love.

He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Robin; his parents, Levi and Rowena; and his in-laws, Joe and Helen Cook.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a quiet strength. He is survived by his son, Dan Clay and his wife Kellie of Shawnee, OK; his daughter, Shiela Clay of Oklahoma City, OK; and grandchildren: Marquis Moore, Stephanie and Bryce Wilkinson, Dacia Sloan, Brent and Carolina Clay, Kelsie Gibson, Kaitlynn Gibson, Taran Clay, Kalista Kennedy, Samara Cobb, and Adaia Jones. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren. He is lovingly remembered by his sister and brother-in law, Cynthia and Darryle Rattler of Moore, OK; nephews, Kevin and George Rattler; niece, Autumn Rattler of Moore OK, and her son, Blake Rattler; numerous cousins and friends; and his loyal dog and constant companion, Henry – lovingly called “Good Boy”.

Ron’s life was a true celebration of love, faith, and service. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved deeply, laughed often, and never passed up an opportunity to share his love for sports, the Lord, or a good story. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched – not only through family, but through every athlete he coached, every person he encouraged, and every heart he helped heal.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 1PM at Grace Community Church, 808 E. Highland St, Tecumseh, Oklahoma. A meal will be provided for family and friends at 11AM.