Christopher Wayne Clay was born October 16, 2003, in Vicksburg to Renata Felix-Watkins (Robert) and Jonathan Clay Sr. (Roslyn). He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he developed a deep and abiding faith.

Chris attended school in the Vicksburg Warren School District and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2022. He was an accomplished baseball player and a proud member of the Vicksburg High School Pride Marching Band, where he played the snare drum with enthusiasm and skill.

Following his passion for hands-on work, Chris attended Hinds Community College, where he excelled in welding and cutting technology. He earned his technical certificate in May 2023 and returned to further his education, earning his career certificate in welding and cutting technology in July 2023.

Chris was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandparents, Roosevelt and Ezella Felix; his paternal great-grandmother, Ola B. Sims; and his paternal grandparents, G.T. and Wilbert Tyler Clay Sr.

He is survived by his beautiful daughter, Cali Camille Clay of Vicksburg; his parents, Renata Felix-Watkins and Jonathan Clay Sr.; his loving siblings, Christiana Clay, Kenyatta L. Smith Clay of Houston, Shameel Smith of Jackson, Yoshika Brown, Jennifer Clay, Alexis Rowster, Sha’mon Smith, Jonathan Clay Jr., Nicholas Clay Sr., Jon Michael Clay, Jordan Clay and Jacob Clay, all of Vicksburg, and Brandon Brown of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Hattie J. Felix, along with a host of cousins and other beloved relatives and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life is to be held Sunday, September 1, in the Ardis T. Williams Auditorium at noon with the Rev. Mincer Minor officiating. Interment shall follow in the Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home.