Allen Clay Sr. was born on October 13, 1967, to the union of Clarence Clay Sr. and Jimmetta Clay in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the youngest of eight children.
Allen met and then married Nicole (Speight) Clay on November 1, 1996. To this union, a family of six blossomed: Nicole, Allen Sr., and their four children- Keisha, Jasmine, Kimaya, and Allen Jr.
Allen attended Woodward High School, where he was a talented student athlete He played and excelled at basketball, from which he later received a full athletic scholarship from The University of Detroit. Allen later received his Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice & Behavior Science from the University of Cincinnati in 2004.
Allen was an intelligent man who enjoyed giving back and helping others. In his younger years and spare time, he was a head basketball coach for local community teens. His passion for helping others led him to his career as a “Fatherhood Engagement Specialist.” This career choice allowed him to impacts thousands of children because it allowed him to help bring fathers and significant males into a role as active participants in the lives of their children. Most recently, if he was not spending time with family and friends, he was mentoring young men with disabilities in the Cincinnati area.
Allen was a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was protective, compassionate, dependable, and spent a lot of quality time with his grandchildren. Allen was a comedian at heart and a great storyteller, and he always kept those around him laughing at both his jokes and stories.
Allen’s loving spirit attracted people from all walks of life. Anyone who knew Allen could speak wonders to how he touched their life in one way or another. He always extended a hand to those who asked and to whoever he felt could use a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or just an ear to listen.
Allen Clay Sr. departed this life on Sunday, February 1, 2015. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Jimmetta Clay and eldest brother, Clarence Clay Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Nicole Clay; only son, Allen Clay Jr.; three daughters, Lakeisha Clay, Jasmine Clay, and Kimaya Hudgins; his father, Clarence Clay; four grandchildren, Laila Gobran, Courtney Munday III Jazzohn Robinson, and Moriah Robinson; four sisters, Venita Taylor (Willie), Patricia Martin (Ronald), Camilla Clay (Alvin Sr.), and Donna Harris (Paul); four brothers, Jerome Clay (Colleta), Terrance Clay, Damon Clay (Jeanie), and Bobby Lattimore (Yvette); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Allen was dearly loved by many and will be truly missed. The love and kindness he has shared with so many will have an everlasting effect on all the lives he touched. May he rest in peace.