Clay Holman, age 94, of Sparta, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Woodland Acute Care in Clinton, Tennessee.
Clay was born January 14, 1932, in the Bear Cove community of White County to the late Jimmy and Monerva Bryant Holman.
Clay served in the Army as a heavy equipment operator stationed in Newfoundland during the Korean War. For many years, he was the shipping manager at the Spartan Industries Shirt Factory. Years later, Clay would cut hundreds of loads of firewood in the mornings before going to work as the manager of Broadway Supermarket.
It was here that he acquired his many nicknames, one of his favorites given by his friend Herbert Officer, who jokingly referred to him as "Broadway Clay". Many of the younger generation knew him as "The Claybird", a moniker given to him by Doug Goff over 50 years ago.
Clay loved the great outdoors, cutting firewood, mowing lawns, fishing with the grandchildren, and especially car shows with his grandson.
He also loved country music, especially that of Merle Haggard, Boxcar Willie, Charlie Pride, and Chet Atkins. It is even rumored that he also loved the blues, especially the music of B.B. King.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 71 years, Roberta Ann (Peggy) Johnson Holman; his sisters, Mattie Holman Nation and Rachel Holman Mabe; and his brothers R.T. Holman, James Holman, Charles Holman, and identical twin brother Ray Holman.
Clay survived by his son William K. Holman (Sherrie); grandchildren Jennifer Thurman, Biskie Duncan, and William Travis Holman; great grandchildren, Clay Thurman, William Thurman, Elwood Holman, and Avery Ann Holman.
In honor of Clay’s wishes, a private graveside service was conducted Monday, September 14, 2026, at Highland Cemetery. Doug Goff officiated.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
