Jerry L. Clay Sr., a lifelong resident of Atascadero, California, and a beloved husband, father, coach, and community leader, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 4, 2026. His life was defined by faith, family, service, and an unwavering love for the Atascadero community.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Jerry moved with his family to Atascadero at the age of six. They settled on the family property on Sycamore Road, which remained his home for the rest of his life. Together with his wife of nearly 72 years, Vivienne Clay, he raised six children there—along with many prize-winning pigs and more than a few rescued dogs. Their home was always warm, welcoming, and full of love.

Jerry devoted much of his life to public service. He served on the Atascadero City Council and as Mayor, earning the respect of colleagues and neighbors through his humility, integrity, and calm leadership. He championed opportunities for young people and worked tirelessly to honor military veterans. Among the projects closest to his heart were efforts to advance a youth center for Atascadero and to help establish a veteran’s memorial—initiatives that reflected both his care for the community’s future and his deep respect for those who served.

One of Jerry’s proudest accomplishments was helping found the Faces of Freedom Veterans Memorial, creating a lasting landmark that continues to honor service members and their families.

Baseball, however, may have been Jerry’s greatest lifelong passion. Baseball and Jerry Clay were synonymous with Atascadero for more than 50 years.

During the war years, baseball equipment was scarce. Jerry often recalled how his grandfather, Henry Clay, handmade two bats for him on a lathe and gave him two baseballs that neighborhood kids carefully preserved because there were no replacements. Games sprang up in vacant lots all over Atascadero, with kids sharing gloves and sewing worn baseballs back together with string to keep playing.

Jerry’s baseball heroes were not Major League stars, but local semipro players from Atascadero’s postwar teams—men like Ralph Hagle, Harold Jacamazzi, and Bruce Tuley, whose toughness and talent inspired an entire generation of local boys.

Jerry played baseball at Atascadero High School and later the town team in the 1950s. Even his honeymoon reflected his devotion to the game. After marrying Vivienne in Reno on June 23, 1954, he drove all night back to Atascadero so he could make it in time to play baseball the next day—a story Vivienne lovingly reminded him about for decades afterward.

When his sons began playing youth baseball, Jerry’s love for the game deepened into a lifelong commitment to coaching and mentorship. Over 37 years, he coached every level of youth baseball in Atascadero—from Little League through Senior Babe Ruth—and spent 13 years coaching at Atascadero High School, his alma mater.

As a coach, Jerry believed baseball was “the game of life,” teaching young people how to handle both success and failure with character and resilience. He never turned away a player asking for help because, as he often said, when he was young it had been hard to find someone willing to teach him.

Jerry treasured the memories he made watching his own sons play the game he loved. He proudly watched son Jerry Jr. pitch a perfect game against Morro Bay, celebrate Dan’s daring base running instincts, cheered Joel’s towering home run during a state tournament MVP performance and never forgot Chris making a game-saving catch in the outfield.

He also honored the generations before him. After the passing of his father, Ernest L. Clay, Jerry helped build batting cages at Atascadero High School in his father’s name, the first batting cages in the area. Nothing made him prouder than driving past and seeing a father pitching baseballs to his son there.

Beyond athletics, Jerry was a pillar of local youth programs and agriculture. A dedicated 4-H leader and youth basketball coach, he worked the sales ring at the California Mid-State Fair livestock auction for 54 consecutive years without missing a fair. He proudly showed animals at the very first county fair and continued supporting the fair throughout his life, embodying the values of hard work, mentorship, and community spirit.

Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, humility, integrity, humor, and the steady hand he brought to every part of his life. His legacy lives on in the countless young people he mentored, the community institutions he helped build, and the family he loved so deeply.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Vivienne; their six children; and a large and loving family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of service, love, faith, and enduring values.

In lieu of flowers, the Clay family invites those who wish to honor Jerry Clay’s memory to make a contribution to the Jerry and Vivienne Clay Youth Opportunity Fund, established to support local youth through athletics, 4-H, FFA, leadership programs, and other opportunities that help young people learn, compete, and grow. Through this fund, Jerry and Vivienne Clay’s lifelong commitment to the youth of Atascadero will continue to make a difference for generations to come.

Donations may be mailed to: The Rotary Club of Atascadero Foundation P.O. Box 100 Atascadero, CA 93423

FUNERAL SERVICES ARE PENDING, At this time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, www.EFS-Cares.com .