On September 16, 1929, in Kirbyville, TX the first born to Jesse Clay, Sr. and Ola Wright Clay, they name him Jesse Clay, Jr.  Jesse grew up in Magnolia Springs, TX, and later the family moved to Friendswood, TX.

   He was educated at Walnut Hill School in Magnolia Springs, TX. Jesse completed his education at Paul Lawrence Dunbar School in Dickinson, TX. The year of 1952, Jesse Clay enlisted in the United States Army. He was wounded in action in Korea, on June 14, 1953. He sustained a flesh wound on the right upper forearm. The injury was caused by artillery fire when his position was attacked by opposing forces. The Army awarded the prestigious Purple Heart Medal to Sergeant Jesse Clay Jr. for his tremendous bravery.  After sustaining his injury in combat, he was honorably discharged on April 15, 1953. Sergeant Clay would reenlist in the Army to serve his country for two more years. He would again receive an honorable discharge on April 15, 1955.

Jesse was employed in his early years by Gay Pontiac, and McRee Ford. He would go on to retire from NASA Clay Holt and Dickinson I.S.D., after 30 years of service.  His love of landscaping inspired him to care for the Dickinson High School Football Field. It was said by many, “you can tell when Jesse Clay maintains the gators football field it was truly beautiful!”

Jesse was baptized at an early age and united with Mt. Carmel Baptist Church of Dickinson, TX. He served as a faithful usher, brotherhood, male chorus and maintain the cleaning of the church until his health prevented him to do so. Jesse Clay loved and knew the Lord, his Mt Carmel church family and his Pastor Lewis D. Little.

Jesse was an avid sports fan; his number one team was the Dallas Cowboys. He also was a die-hard Dickinson Gator fan, attending every sporting event. Some days he shared his love for the game of dominoes with his friends.  His interests also included the love of his blue 1966 Chevy Super Sport 396 car. At the tender age of 92, he purchased a Ford Mustang (Gator Blue) that he loved. Jesse also had another love of horsepower, his horse Big Red, he could be seen riding Big Red while participating in trail rides with The Rodeo Bend Trail-Riders, Dickinson Rough Rider and the Dogwood Festival Parade in Woodville, TX.

He leaves to mourn his memory, his wife, Edith Perkins Clay of 70+ years. Their union brought forth two children, Theodore Clay Sr., his son and Dorothea Clay, his daughter, 3 grandchildren, Kedre Clay Washington, (Larry), Theodore Clay Jr, and Jessica Clay, 6 great grandchildren, Aidyn, Anistyn, Austyn, Cianna, Ahmore, and De’leyah, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends, including the Dickinson community.  A very special niece Vera Perkins James who assisted in his daily care.

Preceding him in death, his parents Jesse Clay, Sr. and Ola Wright Clay Geter, stepdad Jack Geter, and his sister Marie Clay Horn.