Obituary of Clay D. Wilson, Sr.

WILSON – Clay D. Sr., 87, of Parkhill, formerly Twin Rocks, passed away February 4, 2022 at home. Clay was the last surviving member of his family. Born September 12, 1934 in Twin Rocks, son of the late Anna Gertrude (Willman) and Oliver Roy Wilson. He was married to the former Gertrude Yvonne Greene on September 13, 1955. They were married for 58 years before she preceded him in death on August 2, 2013. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son, Oliver Roy Wilson; daughter-in-law, Sherry (Rose) Wilson; son-in-law, Jon T. McKinstry; and siblings: Charles, Sr., Oliver Sr., Velma Ritchey, Evelyn Landrum, AldaMae Kennedy, Mazzie Wilson and Ruth Evans. Clay is survived by children: Deborah (Donald “Moe”) Miller; Clay Jr. (Jessie); Lorraine (Thomas) Kolar; Betty Jean McKinstry; and Evelyn (Robert) Getz. Also survived by son-in-law, Joseph Hickey; grandchildren: Dan, Jacob, Phillip, Donna, Kayla, Renee, Yvonne and Alex; great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Trenton, Ayden, Jase, Della, Elizabeth, Jon and Kori; sister-in law, Catherine Wilson; lifelong friends, George “Pat” Shuman; Avonelle McMinn; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Clay had a lifetime affiliation with the Pilgrim Holiness Church, Twin Rocks, were he held many positions including Secretary and Treasurer.  He graduated from Blacklick Twp. High School, Belsano and attended Penn State. He was quick witted.  Clay honorably served in the US Air Force and US Air Force Reserves, Korean & Vietnam Era. Member American Legion Post 0619 Nanty Glo and Life Member VFW Post 7605 Steve Klosz, Twin Rocks. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Bar Rod & Wire Gautier Division after 28 years as Overhead Crane Operator. He was Blacklick Twp. Supervisor, volunteered for 21 years at the St. Vincent DePaul Food Warehouse, Johnstown and the Miner’s Food Pantry, Nanty Glo. Clay was grateful for God’s gift of family and His many other blessings. The family would like to express our deepest thanks to the staff of Conemaugh Hospice for their compassionate care. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo, Chaplain James Richard Yates, officiating. Interment, United Brethren Cemetery, Belsano. Military Rite by Blacklick Valley Ritual Team. Condolences may be left for the family at: www.askew-houser.com