Robert Steven Clay

Robert Steven Clay “Steve”, passed peacefully at his home early on August 15th with family by his side. He was Born August 23,1958 and raised in DeWitt, Virginia. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Aubrey Samuel Clay and brother-in-law, Chuck Arthur. 

He is survived by his mother, Ann Barnes Clay “Memaw”; his children, Amanda Clay (Nelson) and David Clay (Kieland); granddaughter Cecilia Ann Pittman (father Zeek Pittman); his business partner, Doug Stell (Mindy); his siblings, Sam Clay (Debbie), Mary Buyalos (Bruce), Terry Arthur; his angel and loving partner Michele Clarke; special girls Lauren and Nicole; the mother of his children, Susan Newman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.  

Steve graduated from Dinwiddie High School and went to be a master mechanic at Dewitt Tire, a family-owned business for 46 years. Along with his business partner, Doug Stell, he carried on the family business after his father and uncle retired. Steve was known to the local community for his kind, gentle spirit. His children were his pride and joy. He raised them to be independent and self-sufficient and to never sweat the small stuff. Steve was a true Chevy man at heart, a history buff, and enjoyed watching Westerns every day. During his time off he enjoyed spending time with his kids, family, and friends, going fishing, and tinkering with classic cars and racing cars, also known as “The 24” or “Bruno”, the mud truck, from Virginia to North Carolina.

His granddaughter Cecilia, "Scoot", was his world and he would do anything for his grandchild. Steve also enjoyed nothing more than hanging out in his garage and cooking BBQ with family and friends, who often gathered for supper. Steve was a man of few words with a big heart and helped, mentored, and cared for so many around him and never asked for anything in return.  His life lessons and "Steveisms" will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure to know him well. The family would like to express their appreciation for all health care workers at Virginia Cancer Institute and Crater Community Hospice. In honoring Steve’s wishes, services will be private, and in lieu of flowers, he asked that donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.williamsfuneralhomeva.com.