Clay Meredith Craft, age 83, died at 10:00 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, the son of Louise Black Craft Nichols.

Clay was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and Shrine Clubs in Illinois, Missouri, and Florida. He lived much of his life in Corpus Christi before his family moved back to Quincy, IL.

He graduated from Quincy Senior High School, then joined the U.S. Army and returned to Quincy where he graduated with a business degree from at Culver Stockton. Later he earned the degree of Certified Medical Representative from St. Louis University.

Clay excelled in every career path he pursued, winning many awards, including the award of top salesman in the United States for Neutrogena, for three years.

Throughout the many places he lived, Clay never met anyone who wasn’t an instant friend. He always looked forward to spending Friday nights playing cards with friends in Springfield, MO.

He was loved by all and adored his family.

Clay is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy (McCue),

HIS CHILDREN: Claire Brown (Ed), of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Ted Craft of Sun City Center, FL.

HIS GRANDCHILDREN: Molly and Porter Brown, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Cooper Craft, of Sun City Center, FL.

ONE SISTER: Courtney Raymer, of Corpus Christi, TX.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his mother, Louise, his brother, Tom, a baby sister, Camille, and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Woodland Cemetery in Quincy, IL. Memorials may be made be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, FL.  Arrangements are in care of  Duker & Haugh Funeral Home  the arrangements.   Messages may be shared with his family at www.dukerandhaugh.com