Jackie Lynn Clay, was born on September 20,1958 in Cabarrus county. He passed away on February 12th, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents KaDonald Clay, Grace Clay and his sister Barbara Burgess. He leaves behind his wife and children, Pauline BK Clay, Joshua Clay, Angela Clay Helms and Jason Costa. His seven granddaughters and one grandson on the way. His brother and wife Donald Craven Clay and Tamara Gregory. His younger sister Tammy Clay. Jackie Lynn Clay graduated from Monroe High School. From there he entered into the US Army. He found his "Government Issued Wife" Pauline in California. Together they traveled the world while serving our country. In Okinawa, Japan he earned INSCOM Okinawa's Commander Trophy. Years later when the Gulf war arrived he left his family to take part in the war. This is where he earned is Bronze Star. His wife Pauline BK Clay retired from the army at the rank of Sergeant 1st class. (SFC). Jackie Lynn Clay retired just passed 20 years of service at the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG). Him and his family moved back to Monroe NC. To keep busy during retirement he started collecting farm animals and working on family tree projects. He also enjoyed creating military displays at Museum of the Waxhaws, Union County Public Library, Marshville Museum and Cultural Center , Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show and more. His favorite displays were focused on Camp Sutton NC and Pirate Day at Museum of the Waxhaws. He contributed multiple books from genealogy to local history. In 2016 he participated in creating a North Carolina PBS Special on WWII. His part was taped at Museum of the Waxhaws. It has been aired multiple times honoring veterans. He was consistently active He was very generous with his time and knowledge. He was always there to lend a hand. His Military, Technical, Genealogy and Historical expertise will be sorely missed, but he will never be forgotten. We will have a gathering to visit with family friends on February 17, 2020 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at..... Blakely's Funeral & Cremation Service, LLC 714 E Franklin Street Monroe, NC 28112 Tel: 704-635-7951 / 980-269-8772 Due to the holiday he will be honored and buried at a later time in Salisbury National Cemetery. Please bring any photos / videos of him that you can share with us. Thank you everyone for your love and support. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: American Cancer Society / Red Cross