Visitation Information

Robert C. Clay, Sr.

Passed away on January 8, 2025

Robert (Bob) Collier Clay Sr., 82, was surrounded by his three loving children, Robert Clay Jr (Dana Clay), Colleen Ziemkowski (Kevin Ziemkowski), and Michael Clay (Elaine Clay), when he was welcomed into the gates of heaven early on January 8, 2025. Bob was born on December 11, 1942 to parents James Clay and Rosemary Collier Clay and welcomed home by his older twins brother, Jack and James (Jim) Clay. Bob is survived by his older brother, Jim Clay, grandchildren, Korey Ziemkowski, Cody Ziemkowski, Christian Clay, and Nathan Vana, and many loved nieces and nephews. Bob was lucky enough to call the neighborhood of Hegewisch, Illinois home for the last 54 years, where he and his wife, Sheila Clay, spent their 30 years of marriage. Bob and Sheila taught alongside each other at Bright Elementary School, where they fell deeper in love with teaching. With a deep passion ‘to see the unseen student’, the dynamic duo worked to create a home in their classroom. In any conversation with Bob, he was sure to share an interesting teaching experience or comical story with a student. Although Bob retired in 2001, he never truly stopped teaching.

Bob spent his retirement making every moment count with family and friends. Like his older twin brothers, Bob loved the outdoors and its untamed beauty. Learning to fish from a young age, Bob taught his children and grandchildren to fish, during family vacation trips to Minnesota. During the heat of the summer, he’d showed off his infamous Hawaiian shirts, while attending Chicago White Sox games and more importantly, his grandson’s Bobcat Games. Channeling his teenage years, he would spend most nights and early mornings with friends at Amvents, Wolf Lake Rod and Gun Club, or the local casino, singing karaoke and cashing in on big wins. Wherever Bob went he seemed to make instant friends and create a wave of belly laughs.

An excerpt of “A Prayer to my wife”, written by Robert Clay reads: “I have had trouble knowing why I was left here, alone without the woman I love. Perhaps to teach God’s love, until our spirits meet in heaven above.” After his other half passed, Bob continued to love everyone around him, as he embodied the work of Jesus. From reconnecting with old students, cooking pots of warm chili, to beating his older brother in cribbage, Bob loved through it all. In his final days, Bob was surrounded by self-less, compassionate, dedicated nurses with an endless stream of dilly bars as his favorite treat. After 26 years apart, Bob and Sheila Clay are celebrating life together once again, at the feet of Jesus.

Visitation Sunday 1-8pm.  Funeral service Monday, January 13, 2025 at 10:30am at Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Avenue, Chicago.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.