William "Bill" Baldwin Clay, Jr. passed away at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown, KY on Friday, October 31, 2025. He was born in Roanoke, VA on September 17, 1965. Bill lived a life defined by service, devotion, and quiet strength. 

 

Bill proudly served his country as a United States Marine for 13 years. In 1999 he joined the United States Mint Police in Denver, CO as an officer, then moved to the Washington, DC Field Unit as a Sergeant. After "feeling the ground shake beneath" his feet on 9/11, he joined the U.S. Air Marshals for 4 years before returning to the U.S. Mint Police in Denver. Bill then transferred to the United States Bullion Depository, Fort Knox,  KY, where worked until he retired in 2015.

 

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Carrie; their daughters, Abigail (Logan) Campbell and Sophia Abramson; his sons, William (Jessica) Clay III and Michael Clay; his mother, Evelyn "Emmy" Bronson; his father William "Pops" (Sherry) Clay, Sr.; his grandkids, Michael "MJ", Isaak, Harper, Isla, and Connor; his sister, Cathy Simpler; his step-brother, Darrell (Tammy) Martin; his nephew, Ryan Martin; and many other family members and close friends. 

 

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Gary Bronson.

 

Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace in the outdoors and purpose in providing for his family. He will be remembered for his loyalty, humor, and the steady presence he brought to everyone who knew him. 

 

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 and from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Chism Family Funeral Home.

 

Funeral services for Mr. Clay will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home with Brother Ben Underhill officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.