Donald (Tackey Mack) Clay

Donald (Tackey Mack) Clay passed away on July 5, 2019, in his home, surrounded by his family. Donald was born in South Bend, IN on April 19, 1946 to the late Richard and Geneva (Braylock) Clay.

Donald surrendered his life to Christ later on in life and was a Vietnam veteran, having received his purple heart. He loved the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and watching cowboy movies. He played the lottery every day and enjoyed fishing and playing cards with his family. He liked to cook when he could and shared his meals with everyone. He made the best French toast and meatloaf. Donald also enjoyed spending time at the Y-Knot Shack, back when it was open years ago.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Thomas Clay; mother Geneva (Braylock) Clay; Dee Dee Clay; one son, Donald Clay, Jr; brothers Thomas Clay, Richard Harold Clay, Jerry Clay, Jonathan Ray Clay; sister Gwendolyn Clay; as well as a host of uncles and aunts; a nephew, Jonathan Clay, Jr; a niece, Brittany Ann Clay.

Donald is survived by daughters Kimberlyn (Lashaun) Williams and Angela Clay of South Bend; son Donald D. Clay of South Bend; godson Dan McKinny of South Bend; brother Dale Clay and sister Sheila Clay of Carbondale, IL and Vanessa Clay of Mishawaka, IN; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; aunt Marie Braylock. Donald will be loved and missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend, Steve Matthews.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going”.  ~John 14 1-6

Funeral services for Mr. Donald Clay will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may call on the family for one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Rev. Lonell Hudson to officiate. Private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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