Billy Clay Rodgers, 79, of Pontotoc, passed to his Eternal Home on Sunday evening, August 16, 2026, from Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. He was born on July 25, 1947, in Pontotoc, to Henry Clay and Janice Tutor Rodgers. He was the fun-loving younger brother to Peggy Lynn Rodgers and Betty Gail Rodgers Kirk.
Billy Clay lived his entire life in Pontotoc, growing up in West Heights Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord and was baptized upon his profession of faith. During the Jesus Movement, Billy Clay rededicated his life to Christ and led his family in discipleship at home.
Billy Clay was a graduate of Pontotoc High School where he excelled as a snare drummer in the band. He was proud to be the drummer in a popular local psychedelic rock band in the late 60s called The Plague. Although fame and fortune eluded the bandmates, they shared a love for making music and entertaining audiences across the region. Like many of the Baby Boomer generation, their introduction to music occurred in church and at school—from congregational hymns to youth choir, from elementary music class to Christmas cantatas, their generation was exposed to the fine arts unlike any before them, and the world is better for it! This love of music continued throughout Billy Clay’s life. He played drums with different outfits over the years including most recently The Dirt Road Band and the ensemble Remember When. Some of his most joyful times were behind the kit, sharing classic tunes with anyone willing to sing along.
It was in school that Billy Clay met the love of his life, Rhonda Gay Martin. They were married on July 11, 1969, as mankindwas on the way to taking his first steps on the moon. Through six decades together, they raised two sons, gained a daughter-in-love, and enjoyed their two amazing grandchildren and a granddaughter-in-love.
Billy Clay was a dedicated worker from his first job as a grocery sacker at Tutor’s Big Star through several roles in the commercial and manufacturing industries of the area, including Lann Chemical, Keystone Metal Molding, Ram Golf Corporation, ITW-Paslode, and Action Industries. He was always proud of the work they did together and counted his coworkers as lifelong friends.
Billy Clay was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed countless memorable adventures with his Papaw Rodgers, dad HenryClay, Uncles Whit and Kenneth, cousins, nephews, sons, grandchildren and friends. Later, he enjoyed hunting the old County Line Hunting Club with his buddy Mr. Carl Wayne Herndon for many years. He especially enjoyed all the times spent at deer camp with his buddies Scott and Billy Lane, and son Martin, and grandchildren Andrew and Rebecca. He enjoyed the good food, camaraderie, and retelling old tales about as much as hunting.
Billy Clay and Rhonda made First Baptist Church Pontotoc their home church and raised their boys, Martin and Ryan, there, actively serving in various ministries. Billy Clay served as an RA leader while the boys were growing up, teaching young men about the importance of not only being Gospel missionaries at home but supporting those on mission all over the world. He guided those fellows on an annual World Walk for Missions at Tishomingo State Park to raise funds to support foreign missionaries. He and Rhonda led youth in the Puppet Ministry supporting Vacation Bible School and Backyard Bible Clubs. For many years, he was a faithful part of the Sanctuary Choir and served as drummer in the instrumental ensemble. He loved singing, harmonizing, and truly had the God-given gift of a great voice and a great ear.
After retiring, Billy Clay took up making walking canes and hiking sticks. He took considerable pride in the time and care he put into crafting each one. Every stick was unique, a true work of folk art, and he searched the woods carefully to find the prized “vine wrapped” piece or a perfect natural handle. He spent many hours scouring the forests and backroads for just the right ones for the next batch. He loved telling a hunting tale or talking about walking sticks with anybody he could pin down long enough to listen. Every once in a while, he would make a special cane or hiking staff and gift it to a special person in his life.
Billy Clay loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them above all else. Any time family could visit, especially in the last few years, was extra special to him. He seemed to have had a deeper understanding and acceptance of his health challenges than most people realized. He loved his home and was proud to finally get to live “out in the country” the last couple of years. Although he couldn’t always verbalize it, Billy was grateful for the blessed life he had and for the loving, attentive care he received at home from his sweetheart Rhonda and faithful son, Ryan, as they met increasing health challenges together, head-on.
Billy Clay is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Rhonda Gay Martin Rodgers, of Thaxton; sons, Martin Clay Rodgers and wife Jennifer of Pontotoc, and Ryan Scott Rodgers of Thaxton; grandchildren, Andrew Mitchell Rodgers and wife Hallie, of Starkville, and Rebecca Grace Rodgers of Baldwyn; sister-in-law, Annelyn Martin Edwards; niece Brooke Nicole Edwards, of Stanwood, Washington; nephews Chuck (Kristie) Kirk of Ohio and Brennan (Melissa) Kirk of Georgia; great-nephews, Dustin Schaefer (Sahar) of Texas and Duncan Schaefer (Courtney) of Georgia, Caleb Kirk of Ohio, and Asher Kirk of Georgia; great-niece Olivia Kirk of Georgia; special friend, Gloria Ann Lanoux of Tupelo; and many special, beloved cousins, both near and far.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Henry Clay and Janice Rodgers; two sisters: Peggy Lynn Rodgers and Betty Gail Rodgers Kirk; nieces, Lori Gailynn Kirk and Jannelyn Gail Kirk Schaefer; in-laws: James Emmett “Eudy” Martin and Ila Mae Whitt Martin Robinson; and a special stepfather-in-law: Harry G. Robinson.
Visitation will be 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Friday, August 21, 2026, at West Heights Baptist Church, Pontotoc. Service will begin at 1:00. Committal will follow in West Heights Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Brennan Kirk, Chuck Kirk, Andrew Rodgers, David Rodgers, Joey Rodgers, Ken Rodgers.
Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Boykin, Gary Carroll, Tony Carroll, Roger Graham, Barnell Griffin, Jerry Moorman, Randy Newell, Dannie Reed, Laine Robbins, Danny Swords, Lee Thompson, Joe Tucker, Robert Waldrop, Len Welch, Delaine Wilson.
Ministers: Dr. David Hamilton; Rev. David Barnett; Rev. Craig Richardson
