Arvel Claye

Arvel J. Claye, 81, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Malvern, Ark., son of Andrew J. and Ollie M. Aker Claye. He and Mary "Marie" Ross were married July 4, 1948, in Malvern.

Claye was a graduate of Gifford High School. He was a variety store manager in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri, retiring in 1989.

He was a former member of the Civitan Club in Malvern, Lions Club in Marianna, Ark., and Malvern Third Baptist Church. They moved to Jackson in 2001 and transferred membership to First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Loving survivors include his wife of 56 years; a son and daughter-in-law, Donald J. and Sharon Claye of Center Line, Mich.; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda Sue and Sam McGan of Horn Lake, Miss.; two grandsons, Buck McGan of Hernando, Miss., Ricky McGan of Horn Lake; and a sister and brother-in-law, Christine and A.J. Harrison of Malvern.

He was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Maria Ann Claye and Sherry Lee Claye.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with a service at 6 p.m., with the Rev. Carter Frey officiating. There will also be visitation Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Shadowlawn Cemetery in Malvern.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Alzheimer's Association.