Clay Matthew Edwards, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, teammate, and friend went to be with his Lord on August 28, 2023. Clay will be missed dearly by many, and we know that in Psalms 34:14 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We pray to our Lord that our hearts are healed, and that peace is restored upon us. 

Clay was born to his parents Ken and Jennifer Edwards in Denton, Texas on December 18, 1997. Clay would later become a big brother on March 5, 1999 when his sister Ashlyn Edwards blessed our family. There are no words to adequately describe the unique and powerful bond they share. Whether they were laughing, fighting, or just spending time together, it was a precious gift they both cherished. 

Clay loved his large family and shone brightest when he was with them.  Growing up in a blended family after Clay’s parents divorced in 2001, he was always eager for whatever adventure awaited him with both of his loving parents.  From camping trips, family reunions, Disney World, sporting events, family vacations, and endless family gatherings, he always enjoyed spending time with his dad, mom, stepdad, stepmom, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins… and most of all his sister Ashlyn. Clay would want her to know that he is so proud of her and all that she has accomplished, and that he was blessed to be her big brother.

Growing up, Clay’s longtime church family was found at First McKinney Baptist Church, where he made the decision to accept Jesus and be baptized at the age of 13. Clay was proud of his decision to accept Christ and looked forward to every opportunity to get involved and share his love for Jesus. We are forever grateful to everyone that has had a hand in raising, mentoring and loving this incredible young man.

Clay’s friendships grew as he attended Valley Creek Elementary School where he became a cub scout, played pee-wee softball, soccer and football.  He attended Faubion Middle School and played football for the Faubion Lions. Later Clay would graduate from McKinney High School in 2016, where he ran track and played football for the MHS Lions. Some of Clay’s proudest accomplishments were the countless medals he won in track and his reputation for speed. After high school, he played semi-pro football for the North Texas Orcas where he ended his football career and started the next chapter of his life.

Clay was a beautiful soul, kind, thoughtful and generous.  Clay was hard working, and you could rest assured that he was going to do things the right way.  He was not one for shortcuts, and never had to be asked twice to do something.  His personality was magnetic because he did not judge or exclude anyone. He was known for his sweet disposition, his loyalty to others, his notable and unique “calico” hair, his sense of humor, and his infectious smile.

Despite growing up in a Dallas Cowboys environment, he was a Green Bay Packers fan, much to his family’s chagrin.  Clay really raised the ante when he became a Texas fan creating a fun family rivalry of Longhorns vs Aggies.  When he wasn’t playing or watching football, Clay loved to play games.  He regularly hosted game nights with friends and especially loved playing Dungeons and Dragons, and of course Madden.   

Clay was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Faye Edwards.  He is survived by his mother, Jennifer Barger and Steven Ellison; father, Ken Edwards and wife, Lynn; sister Ashlyn Edwards; Aunt Amber Moore and husband Jacob; Uncle Kirk Edwards and wife, Cheryle; Aunt Sherri Spindor and husband, James; Grandmother, Sandra Malcolm; Grandfather, Nelson Edwards; Stepfather, Doug Christenson; 3 step brothers, 2 step sisters, cousins, great aunts and uncles, extended family and friends, as well as his cat, Athena.

A Memorial Service for Clay will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at First McKinney Baptist Church, located at 1615 W Louisiana St. in McKinney, Texas, 75069.  If you are unable to attend the Memorial Service it will be live streamed by going to www.firstmckinney.com and selecting the resources tab.

Following the service, friends and family are welcome to attend Memorial Reflections at either of the following locations:

Jennifer Barger and Steven Ellison, 113 Springdale Ct. Allen, TX 75002 for food and refreshments immediately following the service.

Ken and Lynn Edwards for dinner at 5:00 p.m. at Eagles View Church, located at 5440 W Bailey Boswell Rd, Saginaw, TX.