Philip G. Clay answered the call of the wild one last time, leaving behind a lasting legacy as enduring as the great outdoors he loved on September 16th, 2026.
Philip was born September 22,1957, a graduate of Bellevue High School in Bellevue, MI, in addition earning a two-year technical certification in Horology (Watchmaking). He was recognized as top in his class, where he was selected for a career with Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater, Florida where he was employed for 37 years as a highly skilled technician in the Electromechanical Guidance Systems in Avionics & Aerospace Missile Defense.
Philip leaves behind a legacy of family, friendship & countless memories from his adventures in the great outdoors.
Philip is survived by his beloved mother, Joyce Hakes; sisters, Teresa Lahaie (Perry) & Michele Burns (Robert); nephews, Jaret Swafford and Taylor Lahie; niece, Kali Eddy; and aunt, Betty (Rich) Lybarger.
He is preceded in death by wife, Cynthia Clay; father, James Clay; paternal grandparents, Earl & Ruth Clay; and maternal grandparents, Bernard & Lucile Shepard.
Philip was a true lifelong outdoorsman who found great peace in the woods, fields, lakes & streams in the great state of Michigan, Southern States & Out West. Whether he was waiting patiently in a deer stand during a crisp autumn morning, casting a line into a quiet river at dawn, listening to an early morning gobble in the spring timbers or scanning the forest floor for the hidden treasures of the springtime delicacies of Morel Mushrooms.
The Woods & Waters were his sanctuary. He possessed a rare patience, a sharp eye, and a deep respect for the land his God created. Where he enjoyed many years of freshwater fishing & trophy pike while ice fishing on many lakes in Michigan & saltwater fishing the ocean waters in Florida.
He was an active past member of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
His spirit will live on in every sunrise of the water & every quiet trail.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pant for you, my God.
Psalms 42.
