Thomas Eugene Clay

Thomas Eugene Clay, 75, of Rockwell, North Carolina, passed away on September 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family that meant everything to him.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, Thomas was the son of Homer and Louise Clay. Throughout his 75 years, Thomas built a life centered on family, hard work, music, and the simple joy of being together with the people he loved most.

Thomas shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Debra Clay. Their life together was filled with love, family, memories, and a devotion that endured throughout the years. Of all the roles Thomas held during his lifetime, being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were among those he cherished most.

He was the proud father of two daughters, Audrey Norwood (Earl) and Felisha Barbee (Jody). His family continued to grow with his grandchildren, Christopher Aistrop (Mikayla), Madeline Graves (Kayla), Emma Barbee, Kaylee Hahn, and Bo Barbee, and his great-grandchildren, Addison Aistrop, McCoy Barbee, and Alana Aistrop. He is also survived by his brothers, Homer Clay Jr. (Wanda), Dean Clay (Debbie), and nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Thomas was a hardworking man whose career included time with Diebold and serving as a security officer with First Bank. He owned his own security business Claymoor Inc./Southern Alarm Monitoring Station for 10 years. He also had the opportunity to work alongside his brother, Homer, at Clay Electric.

Beyond his work, one of Thomas's greatest passions was music. A talented musician, he loved playing the bass guitar and performing. One song in particular held a special place in his heart: Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind." When Thomas performed the song, those closest to him knew he was singing it to Debra. It became more than a song; it was a reflection of the love he carried for his wife throughout their life together.

Above everything else, Thomas was a family man, and he was immensely proud of his family. Few things brought him greater happiness than having everyone together. Family gatherings were never simply occasions to Thomas-they were moments he treasured. Whether surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or extended family, being together meant the world to him.

Thomas leaves behind a lifetime of memories, music, and love. His family will remember the sound of his bass guitar, the songs he sang, his pride in those he loved, and the happiness he found when his family was gathered together. The love he had for Debra and the family they built during their 53 years together will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening (9/8) from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wilkinson Funeral Home in Concord. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday (9/9) at 10:00 am at Wilkinson Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Rev. Gene Mullis.

Thomas will be deeply missed, but the music, memories, and love he shared will continue through the generations of the family he was so proud to call his own.