Adel Shirley Clay, Jr.

Adel S. Clay, Jr. was a special man to his family, church and community. He was a beloved Pastor, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was known for his kind, humble, comedic nature, with a fiery passion for preaching the word of God. After accepting Christ in his life, in his early 20's he was joined in matrimony to Jane Clay. Together they raised 11 children of their own and a host of others. After being saved, he joined 19th & Cedar COGIC that later became Moore Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop AJ Moore, where he was a very active member. He served as an usher, Outreach minister, as well as the Elder's Board. He later was sent to assist his father Pastor Adel Clay, Sr. whom he succeeded as pastor of Sun Valley COGIC under the leadership of Bishop John W. Flemings.

Adel was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Adel S. Clay, Sr. and Minnie Clay on August 16, 1955. He attended Male High School. He later went on to obtain a Carpentry certification, as well as becoming a serial entrepreneur, with businesses in real estate (buying and remodeling), Maxx handyman sales and services, as well as co-owner of Janie's Academy Childcare Center.

Adel was a simple man, he loved to be with his family, laughing, singing, cooking, debating politics and most of all reading his bible and preaching. One of his greatest joys was when he was able to do community outreach ministry.

Adel was preceded in death by his parents, Adel Clay, Sr. and Minnie Clay; parents-in-law, David Fletcher, Jane Fletcher; and son, Mark Clay.

Adel will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving family, wife, Jane Clay; siblings, Tony Clay (Pat), Rhonda Simmons (Neil); children, Denisha Rawlings (Greg), Easley Clay, Schlontyne Clay Lewis (Frank), Candace Clay, Adel "BJ" Clay (Ashley), Zvannha Clay, Zane Clay, Zion Clay, Gabriel Clay, Zoey Clay, Sharita Clay, Tiffany Fulton, and Yolanda Pritchard (Damon). Adel was a father figure, and claimed as his own Lakayla Haskins, Lorryn Haskins-Jean-Baptiste, Camryn Haskins, Jaden Haskins, Justin Haskins, and a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 18, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Moore Temple Church of God in Christ, 2315 W. Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Moore Temple Church of God in Christ with burial to follow at Green Meadows Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.