Stephen "Piney" Clay, age 73, of Blowing Rock, died Monday October 30, 2023. Born October 14,1950, in Caldwell County, he was a son of the late William Lawrence and Gladys Bowman Clay.

Stephen was the proud owner/operator of the Clay Insurance Agency in Lenoir. He was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and was known by his friends to be a jokester and total life of the party. He adored spending time with his family and taking photos of all the adventures they would go on together. Some of his favorites were going to Sunset Beach, hiking with the dogs, and skiing with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debbie Clay; his daughter Molly Clay; his son Martin Clay; and two brothers Larry Clay and wife Jan and Allen Clay and wife Nancy.

A service celebrating the life of Stephen Clay will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 at 4:30pm, at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church with Pastor Kathy Beach officiating.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to the Special Olympics, a program Piney loved to volunteer with. www.specialolympics.org/donate

Online condolences may be sent to the Clay Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral Service of Boone is in charge of arrangements.