Thomas Clay

Thomas Tacitus Clay, 80, of Independence, husband of Reba Clay, died at his home on January 13, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones. Thomas was born May 11, 1929 to Thomas Thornhill and Dora Gerke Clay in Independence, Texas. He attended elementary school in Independence and high school in Brenham. On October 3, 1956, he married Reba Poston in Rosenberg, and raised her two children, Janice and Ralph, as his own. Together, Thomas and Reba were blessed by two sons, Jim Clay and Tom Clay. Thomas served 17 years in the National Guard, and was called to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. Thomas was an avid bird hunter all of his life, and owned numerous bird dogs. He loved these dogs dearly. Always a farmer at heart, he was a longshoreman for 35 years in Houston, as well as a businessman. Along with Reba, he managed the Furniture Warehouse in Brenham. He worked until his 80th birthday, continuing the tradition of being a hard worker all of his life. Survivors include his loving wife, Reba; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Mike Erickson, sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Linda Clay, and Tom and Claudia Clay, as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Ralph Swanson, and two brothers, Nester and Atreus Clay. Thomas was a kind and gentle man who treated all he knew with fairness and compassion. He was much loved by all of his family and everyone is so grateful that Thomas was a part of this family. His daughter-in-law Claudia and grandson Joshua were among those who never left his side during his illness Funeral services for Thomas Tacitus Clay will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2010 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Rev. D. H. Strickland will officiate. Burial will follow in the Independence Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Thursday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers are his grandchildren, Thomas Clay, Donald Clay, Joshua Clay, Taia Kuecker, Amanda Lampe, and Ashleigh Swanson, as well as special friend Sergio Esquivel. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.