Loving father and grandfather, James “Bill” Clay, 73, of Covington, passed away November 26, 2016. Clay was born in Decatur to the late James and Eulalia Clay. Bill Clay served in the U.S. Air Force, worked for the Covington News, and later retired from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution after many years of dedicated service. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson Liam Cline. Bill Clay is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Viki Clay, of Covington; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Mike Swart of Covington, daughter, Treena Baker and fiance Brian Taylor of Atlanta; son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Clay III of Covington; son, Jim Clay of Covington; grandchildren, Will Cline, Tabatha Stephens, Timothy Anderson, Anthony Swart, Jacob Walker; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Military graveside honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016, at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal shelter, or to the National Humane Society. Wheeler Funeral Home and Crematory can be reached at 11405 Brown Bridge Road, Covington, GA 30016, wheelerfuneralhome.com or 770-786-7111.