William Clay Pickney, age 84, of Springfield, Missouri, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2023, at Mercy Hospital. Clay, as he was more commonly known, was born to Richard and Laura (Bratcher) Pickney on December 10, 1938, in Paragould, Arkansas, a city located in northeastern Arkansas on the eastern edge of Crowley’s ridge. At a young age, Clay moved with his family to Springfield where he was raised and attended school. At the age of 24, Clay started working at the Lily-Tulip Cup Corporation located on North Glenstone Street in Springfield. It was there that he would meet the love of his life, Mary Sue McCleary. The couple were united in marriage on February 9, 1968, at the Greene County Courthouse. Clay and Mary continued to work at Lily-Tulip for the next four decades. In 1999, Clay retired from Lily-Tulip as an arch-press operator. In 1973, Clay and Mary moved to their seven acre hobby farm in northern Springfield. For the next 50 years, the couple lived their lives to the fullest raising a variety of farm animals including cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and more than 500 rabbits. Clay and Mary were longtime members of Evangel Temple Assembly of God in Springfield.

While Clay had many hobbies and interests, fewer things brought him more joy than buying antique cars, having them restored, and showing them at various events across the region. In 1989, Clay joined the Classic Chevy Club of Springfield with his 1955 Chevy. He remained a member for many years and enjoyed going to countless car shows with his wife Mary. His prize possession was a fully restored 1957 Chevy. Among car enthusiasts, this car was highly regarded as an automotive icon. As one might expect, Clay was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and 1950’s rock and roll.

Most people knew Clay as soft-spoken with a laid back personality. He was easy going, had a dry sense of humor, and loved to laugh. He liked to eat and his favorite food was steak. Fewer things brought him more satisfaction, however, than mowing his yard and taking care of his farm. Clay was a devoted husband and father who loved his family beyond measure. He maintained a caring and supportive relationship with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Clay will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Clay was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Laura Pickney; stepson, Rex Jarrett; sister, Maxine Hayes and her husband, Johnny; sister, Joyce Cates and her husband, Herman; and sister, Pat Miller. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Pickney; son, Martin “Marty” Pickney and his wife, Etta; daughter, Tamara Paris and her husband, Stephen; stepson, Terry McCleary; granddaughter, Chelsea Campbell and her husband, Joel; granddaughter, Abigail Pickney; granddaughter, Sarah Pickney; great-grandson, Jaxson Campbell; brother, Jim Pickney and his wife, June; brother-in-law, Mike Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and Chevy car enthusiasts.

A visitation for William Clay Pickney will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N National Avenue). A graveside service will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens immediately following his visitation on Friday, June 2, 2023.