Clay Willis

Thomas Clayton “Clay” Willis, II, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018. Clay was born in Chowan County, North Carolina and grew up with a never-ending love for the beauty and peace he found in the woods and waters of Eastern North Carolina. In 1995, Clay graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.

In September 1998, Clay married the love of his life, Kimberly Royals Willis. Clay and Kim may have started their marriage in Raleigh, but in 2002, the nature of Eastern North Carolina called Clay back to Edenton. In 2011, Clay and Kim were blessed with the birth of their son, Thomas Clayton Willis, III.

It is only fitting that Clay enjoyed a successful career with the State of North Carolina Department of Transportation as an Environmental Supervisor. Together with Kim, they were faithful members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and devoted countless days with the youth of Edenton providing youth ministry and mission work. Baptized by his father in the waters of North Carolina, Clay was a man of great faith, compassion, and talents. He gave of his time unselfishly and without question serving on the Church Vestry, Advisory Board for the NC Marine Fisheries Commission, and Countless Mission Programs in NC and abroad. Clay was a talented musician and found as much beauty in music as he did his family and the outdoors.

Clay was surrounded by a large and loving family. Survivors include: his wife Kim and their son Clayton; his parents, Thomas and Beth Willis; his sisters, Rachel Willis and Jeni Hartnett and her husband, Michael; his in-laws, Rick and Patty Royals; his brother-in-law, Tim Royals and his wife, Susan; his nieces, Kaylie, Aja, and Pia; countless cousins; and untold numbers of friends.

A service celebrating Clay’s life will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Edenton on Tuesday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m., and will be conducted by The Rev. Malone Gilliam.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Paul’s Outreach Fund, or the Thomas Clayton Willis, III College Fund, NCSECU 101 Mexico Road, Edenton, NC 27932, in memory of Clay Willis.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.