Bennie Clay, 78 of Port Arthur, departed this life on January 2, 2016.  He was born January 11, 1937 in Robeline, Louisiana to the late Clifton and Ophelia Clay.
Bennie graduated from his beloved Abraham Lincoln High School, Class of 1956 and was an athletic standout.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Tennessee State University.
Bennie was retired from the Port Arthur Independent School District with over 25 years of service.  He coached at Sam Houston Elementary and was truly loved by the boys and girls whose lives he touched.
He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. where he pledged Rho Psi Chapter of Tennessee State University in 1959. He is also a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association. He was a faithful member of the El Vista Church of Christ where he served many years.
He was preceded in death by his love, his wife, JoAnn Bryant Clay, his parents, and his “baby brother” Roy Clay.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving daughter, Benise, his devoted son-in-law, Melvin, and his precious grandchildren, Tre, Jordi and Logan.  His brother William (WC) Clay, his sister, Pearl Glover, his nephew George B Wright; nieces, Stacy Gray and Sonja (KK) Zeno; sisters-in-law, Esther Badgett, Ann Clay and Anita Bryant; devoted cousins, Clarence and Barbara Muse.  A host of nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 9-11am at Thomas Boulevard Church of Christ, 2948 Thomas Blvd, Port Arthur, Texas.   Funeral services will follow at 11am under the direction of Gabriel Funeral Home.  Bro Leonard Joubert, officiating.  Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery under the direction of Gabriel Funeral Home.