Clay Hunter

PIEDMONT, Mo. — Jackson Clay Hunter passed away on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, at the age of 74 at his home in Piedmont. 

Clay was born Jan. 20, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Henry Clay Hunter and Elvena Latimer Hunter of New Madrid. He served his country in the United States Air Force, the United States Naval Reserves – Construction Battalion (Seabees), and the Tennessee Air National Guard (Engineers). Clay is an alumnus of the Missouri Military Academy, the State Technical Institute at Memphis, Memphis State University, and Southern Illinois University. Clay was a member of numerous fraternal orders, including the Sikeston Masonic Lodge No. 310, Scottish Rite - Valley of St. Louis, the Shriners Moolah Temple in St. Louis, and the Piedmont American Legion. Clay's professional titles included farmer, auctioneer, real estate broker, and teacher/professor (architectural drafting). 

Jackson Clay never met a stranger. He lived a life full of new experiences and adventure. If you knew him, you will likely never forget his belly laugh, his firm handshake or his welcoming embrace. If Clay ever passed by in one of his various Ford trucks, you most certainly received a horn tap and friendly wave out the window.He was a man of many interests and hobbies, including, but not limited to, motorcycle riding, scuba diving, and skydiving. Clay was most proud of being the father of his two sons. 

Clay is survived by his two sons, Jackson Clay Hunter II (wife Catherine, children Ellie and Laney) and Heath Scott Hunter (wife Katherine, children Harlow and Harrison); and sisters, Mary Hunter (child Camille Baldwin) and Dixie McCormack (child James King). 

Clay’s family will host an informal gathering to celebrate Clay’s life, with coffee and pastries, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge at 320 S. Kingshighway St. in Sikeston.

A graveside memorial will follow at 11 a.m. in the Evergreen Cemetery at 9712 US-61 in New Madrid under the direction of Ruegg Funeral Homes, Inc.

Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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Donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis will be accepted in his honor online, by phone, or by mail.

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