David E. Clay (May 8th, 1931 – July 31st, 2026)

David E. Clay, 95, of Northport, Alabama, formerly of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2026, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

David was born May 8, 1931, in Ashland, to the late Charles Earnest and Betsy Henson Clay. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia M. Kozee Clay, in 2014; their two sons, Charles Ernest Clay and Ricky Clay; and his siblings Tom Clay, John Clay, Charles Wesley Clay, Evelyn Stapleton, Carol Conn, Magel Elswick, Ethel Dunagan, Esther Estepp and Mary Clay.

David was an Army Korean War veteran and the owner of the Canteen Corporation in Ashland. He later moved to Alabama, where he established the Canteen and the Alabama Office Coffee and Refreshment. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Julia Denise Clay Fuller (James) of Eutaw, Alabama; grandchildren Nathan Walters, David Eric Clay, Patrick Aaron Clay and Scott Walters; great-grandchildren Ricky Clay, Jared Walters, Jordan Walters, Clay Walters and Savannah Walters; and his sister, Shirley Clay Lee.

Graveside funeral services with military rites will be held at noon Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Ashland Cemetery Mausoleum. Online condolences may be left at www.mfhfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Miller Funeral Home in Ashland.

Local arrangements provided by Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home.