Clay Eugene Walker, 79, of Statesville, N.C., to use his words, “rolled on out of here” to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 10, 2022. He was born to the late Jay Phillip Walker and Edith Redmond Walker on July 15, 1943, in Washington, D.C. Clay graduated from Central High School in 1961. He was active in the 4-H State and National Program, where he participated in dairy competitions.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 in the 1st Calvary Division and fought in the Korean War. In 1965, he married his wife, Ruth Janette Hooks, who survives.

Clay served his entire career within the poultry industry, starting his employment with Showell Growers Inc. and retiring from Mountaire Farms, where he formed many lifelong friendships with co-workers and farmers. He was a member of Monticello United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher and Administrative Council member for many years.

As an avid outdoorsman, Clay enjoyed many activities, including hunting, fishing, mountain-biking and running. He was a fierce competitor who stayed under the radar only competing against himself and not satisfied until he reached his personal goals. He could be described as a Servant Leader and a man of his word; he was not proud, but he made many people proud. He served the elders of the community through the Meals on Wheels program.

In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Kristen Walker Tomlin (Bradley) and Karen Walker Ireland (Robb Johnson); and one granddaughter, Abigail Tomlin Matthews (Cole). Also surviving are his sister, Judith Walker Stewart; nephew, William Jay Stewart (Sherry); and great niece, Savannah Jane Stewart.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 14, at Troutman Funeral Home. A private interment will be held at the Salisbury National cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC, 28625 or to the Iredell Council on Aging – Meals on Wheels at 344 East Front Street, Statesville, NC, 28677.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.