George Blaine Clay,

George Blaine Clay Sr. left this life on 19 September 2015 to join his wife, E. Joan Clay, the love of his life and wife of more than 63 years. She had passed away the previous 20 May 2014. He died quietly at home attended by his daughters. George was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on 14 June 1929.He was the eldest of 10 children born to Dorothy Anna Cliff and George Phillips Clay.He graduated from Hutchinson High School in Kansas where he participated in band and many other activities.He was well known for his artistic abilities and sought after for his musical contributions and played professionally. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.There he met his sweetheart Joan. They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple 2 June 1950. He began supporting his family as a policeman and was recognized with a medal as a pistol sharpshooter.He became a newspaper photographer and reporter working first in Provo, UT and later relocating to New York State working for Gannett newspaper in Corning for the Star Gazette and in Ithaca for the Ithaca Journal for most of his career until he retired.He was a local fixture, known mostly for photographing and capturing local news events.He experimented with recipes and ran a weekly page, often sharing recipes he developed. He additionally took "Party Pix" for Cornell sororities and fraternities.Together with his wife Joan they had the "Clay Photography" studio.These ventures kept the family busy helping. His photos won multiple awards. He was a well respected citizen in Ithaca where he spent his professional career. He was a Lions Club Member and Volunteer Fireman. Several years ago he settled in Florida.He continued to volunteer to help the community.He was an Orlando Temple Worker and with the new Fort Lauderdale Temple, he attended weekly. He served the condo organization as past president on the board and as secretary. He regularly attended the City Council Meetings and was usually asked to begin these with prayer. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he served in many callings and was a respected Scriptorian. He is survived by 5 brothers: Orson Clay of Bountiful, UT, John Clay of Logan, UT, Robert Clay Kansas City, MO, Dean Clay of Fort Worth, TX and Neil Clay of Springville, UT; 3 sisters: Gayle Maxfield Clay of Orem, UT, LouRae Kramer of Lockhart, TX and Jean Grover Turley of Redmond, WA; 6 children: George Blaine Clay Jr. of Landenberg, PA, Jeanette Hepburn of Nibley, UT, Edward Hardy Clay of Spencer, WV, Juanita Weller of Lauderdale Lakes, FL, Michelle Mayer of Glen Burnie, MD and Diana O'Connor of San Antonio, TX; 31 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.He was Predeceased by his wife, parents and one sister, Dorothy Lois Turley. He will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY with his wife Joan.There will be a Memorial service held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Saturday 26 September 2015, 2 pm located at 1100 Sw 15th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.