Kenneth David Clay, age 54, of Lenoir went home to be with his Savior Sunday, May 5, 2024 at his home. He loved the Lord above all else. This was evident in the peaceful smile on his face and how he always made himself available to anyone in need of help. He made a point to encourage anyone he talked to, to be ready for when the Lord says it is time to come home.

He was born August 9, 1969 in Caldwell County to James William Clay, Jr. and Judith Williams Clay. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents James William Clay, Sr. and Clyde McCall Clay and his maternal grandparents Aradel and Aradelle Williams.

Kenny had a truly good heart and never had an unkind or judgmental word to say about anyone. If anyone needed help with anything he never hesitated to drop what he was doing and go help. Kenny was an amazing man who could do anything. The community will very much feel the loss of his presence. He started working for Bell South when he was 19 and ended a 24 year career with AT&T, where he made many lifelong friends. He was also an officer in both Jonas Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department. After leaving AT&T he opened Chesterfield Family Restaurant where he pursued his lifelong passion of cooking. After that he worked in the electrical industry where he acquired enough hours to get his Unlimited Electrical Contractor license.  At that point he started KAK Services Group, LLC where he became partners with his dear friend Steven Clark. He was very proud of the business they were building and loved all the guys he worked with dearly.

Kenny leaves behind, but will forever remain in the hearts of his devoted wife of 32 years, Karen Lackey Clay and two loving sons Charles "Alex Clay and wife Leti, Kelton Riain Clay and wife Emily along with their son and his grandson Kelton Luca. He will also be missed by his parents, Jim and Judy, his brother, Damon Clay and wife Selina and his sister, Karen and husband Eric Crisp, along with his niece Abby Clay and nephews Zach and Noah Clay and Deegan and Mason Crisp. Kenny had several cousins and uncles and aunts in whose heart he will forever remain.

Kenny leaves behind a legacy of hard work and community service. His Memorial Celebration of Life will be Saturday, May, 18th at Littlejohns United Methodist Church. A short receiving will begin at 1:30 p.m., the service will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by more fellowship and refreshment in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Robin's Nest in Lenoir in his memory.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Kenneth Clay.