Noel Joseph Clay was born November 1, 1942, in Charleston, WV, the son of the late George Henry and Ada (Taylor) Clay. He left his temporary home, with his family by his side, on April 19, 2026, and entered eternal glory, where his wife of 58 years, Sandra Sue “Susie” (Jacobs) Clay, was waiting. Noel was also preceded in death by his brothers, Paul Clay, Ralph Clay, and Gary Clay, and his sister, Loraine Javins.
He is survived by his sister, Nettie Jarvis of Charleston; his daughter, Terrie Metzger of Ripley; his son, Joe Clay of Charleston; and his daughter, Staci Weekley (Anthony) of Charleston. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Whitney Perry (Nathanial), Courtney Hansen (Tommy), Hannah Fulks (Noah), Noah Witzke, and Elisabeth Ellis (Will).
Noel graduated from Charleston High School, where he met Susie and many lifelong friends. He was a hard worker, holding one of his first jobs picking up deposits for the local credit union. He later worked as a welder for FMC, a Coca-Cola delivery driver through the mountains of West Virginia, and a courier driver. He retired after 21 years of service with the Charleston Fire Department as a lieutenant.
With the help of family and friends, Noel built his home while Susie decorated it. He loved his dogs and granddogs and enjoyed catching up with friends over breakfast. He also enjoyed collecting coins and Coca-Cola memorabilia, telling stories about his life, giving advice to his grandchildren, and retelling parts of his favorite books by Louis L’Amour.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Good Shepherd Mortuary in South Charleston, with Pastor David Keeney officiating. Honors will be performed by the Charleston Fire Department Honor Guard. Noel will be laid to rest at Graceland Memorial Park in South Charleston following the service.
Family and friends will gather for visitation from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the mortuary prior to the service.
Good Shepherd Mortuary, 335 Fifth Avenue, South Charleston, WV 25303, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
