George Myers Clay

January 4, 1937  -  August 28, 2025

George Myers Clay passed away August 28, 2025. He was born January 4, 1937, to Marvin Emmett and Georgia Lee (Myers) Clay in Pelham, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his brother Frank Emmett Clay, his sister Linda Jo (Clay) Johnson, and his brothers-in-law Jerry Johnson and Clifton Medley.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Edwene (McFarland) Clay; his sons George Edward (Tammy), Barry Keith (Barbara), and Eric Kent (Carla); his sisters Drucilla Medley and Peggy (Glenn) Darden; his sisters-in-law Diane Richards and Sherry Clay; and his grandchildren J.R. (Rachel) Clay and Erica (Lucas) Edwards.

George attended Pelham Elementary School and graduated from Grundy County High School in May 1954. As a basketball player, in 1953 he was the leading scorer in his school district; and he was co-captain of his championship football team that year. He and Edwene married on July 31, 1954, and spent over two years living and working in Cleveland, Ohio.

Although he held different jobs in his early work career, his true love was farming, so he returned to Pelham and began farming with his father in 1957. In 1959, his father was killed in a tractor accident, which left 22-year-old George with major responsibilities of two families. He purchased his first farm in 1962, and in 1963 a tornado destroyed all farm buildings and most of his farming equipment. In spite of the setbacks, George continued to build his farming operation with the help of his wife and later on with his three sons. He was involved in many community and agricultural-related activities over the years. He was recognized many times for his efforts in promoting agriculture. In 1998 he was featured in the national magazine Case IH Farm Forum for his Specialized Operation. He served on the Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors; he helped establish and was President of the Grundy County Farmers Co-op., President of the Grundy County Farm Bureau, and in 2015 he was named “Tennessee Farmer of the Year.”

George was a dedicated U.T. sports fan and enjoyed going to dirt track races across the U.S. with his many racing friends and his grandson. He was a truly devoted family man and nothing gave him more satisfaction than being part of his grandchildren’s lives and quietly helping others.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, Winchester, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Pelham United Methodist Church (2440 SR 50, Pelham, Tennessee) at 3 p.m. with Brother David Gardner, granddaughter, Erica Clay Edwards, and grandson, J.R. Clay officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 1:30 until time of service. Interment will be at Warren Cemetery, Pelham

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International.

Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.