Please observe COVID-19 guidelines by wearing mask at all times and exercise social distance.

Wells Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting for the funeral service of Mr. Earnest T. Clay: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4142567439

Services: Private Service for Family and Invited Guest Only due to Covid 19 Saturday, September 26, 2020 1:00 pm Wells Chapel 811 Woods Street Wichita Falls, TX

Viewing Friday, September 25, 2020 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wells Chapel 811 Woods Street Wichita Falls, TX

Burial and Military Honors Crestview Cemetery

Earnest ‘Tucker” Clay departed this life on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the age of 90 surrounded by his family. Tucker was born on November 3, 1929 in Wichita Falls, TX to the union of Samuel P. Clay and Arzilla Tucker Clay at the beginning of the Great Depression and during the oppression of Jim Crow. Tucker graduated from Booker T. Washington High School at the age of 15. A gifted student, he was known for his love of and command of Mathematics and Science. He attended Bishop College in Dallas, TX where he received Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology, as well, as a Teacher Certificate. Subsequently, Tucker attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View TX for graduate studies where he enjoyed teaching Chemistry and Biology labs.

In 1953, Tucker was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country in a segregated military during the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal in 1955. With segregation still the order of the day, Tucker returned to Wichita Falls where he met and married Betty Jo Ervin and to this union four children were born.

School desegregation, resulting from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, allowed Tucker to teach Math and Science in integrated public schools in Burkburnett and Pampa, TX. Tucker resided in Wichita Falls until 2009 when he moved to Dallas to be closer to his children.

A man possessed of endless intellectual curiosity, he valued the love of God and education above all. He was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX at an early age. Later in life he studied and worshiped Jehovah's Witnesses. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed reading books and learning new things. He is remembered by former students as a strict, skilled and caring teacher. He will be remembered by his family for his kind, gentle spirit and strong encouragement to pursue higher education. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved pool, boxing, big band music and was obsessed with James Brown. He shared his love of music with his children and grandchildren. Over the years he enjoyed memorable concert experiences with his children that included Isaac Hayes and James Brown. His lifelong interest in medicine led to his focus on nutrition and natural healing. His grandchildren will long remember how much he enjoyed tutoring them in math.

Tucker was preceded in death by his parents Samuel P. and Arzilla; his wife, Betty and sisters Aurora “Dimple” Alamon, and Emily “Bessie” Woodard.

Surviving Family Members Children Diane (Randy) Williams-DeSoto, TX Earnestine (Michael) Littlejohn-Cedar Hill, TX Patricia (Paul) Martin-Kildeer, Illinois Keith (Brenda) Clay-Rowlett, TX Donna (Eric) Foreman-Wichita Falls, TX Linda (Ardeen) Willis-Duncanville, TX Randy (Lillie) Dawkins-Mesquite, TX

Grand Children Cameron Mason LaKeisha Clay LaToya Clay Keith Clay Jr John E. Hall III Shákendria Jackson Isaiah Littlejohn Maya Lyons Bryce Martin Gabrielle Martin Miranda Williams Brandon Willis Brandie Dawkins

Brother Marion “Henry” Clay

Nieces Gladys “Faye” Cartwright Rosalyn Johnson Shanelle Clay

Nephews Kerry Woodard Mark Woodard Titus Woodard Jr.

And a host of: Cousins, Friends and Love Ones