Staff Sgt. Marcus Loman Clay, 38, passed away on February 17, 2026, in Toccoa, Georgia. Born May 9, 1987, to Dennis and Lynda Clay, he was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, and friend to many.
Marcus was a graduate of Loganville High School (Class of 2005) where he was a member of the varsity wrestling team. He became a firefighter for the Walton County Fire Rescue Department before enlisting in the military. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, eventually earned a promotion to staff sergeant, and went on to become a decorated war veteran. Marcus served as an infantryman and paratrooper in the U.S. Army from 2010 to 2018 in Afghanistan, Germany, and Korea during the Global War on Terrorism. He participated in training exercises with NATO. Marcus was wounded in Afghanistan and received a Purple Heart among other medals and citations during his time of service. He also earned his bachelor’s degree while in the military.
After retiring from the armed forces, he worked in construction in Florida and Georgia. Marcus was a motorcycle enthusiast and rode with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association under the road name “Cassius.” He also enjoyed weightlifting and exercise, camping, fishing, mechanics, traveling, cooking, spending time with family, and meeting new people.
He was saved in 1998 and baptized into the membership of Loganville Baptist Church in 1999 and professed a love for Jesus throughout his life.
Marcus had a heart for service and always gave of himself. While he didn’t lay down his life on the field of battle, he nevertheless made many sacrifices for his country and loved ones. His passing was sudden and will leave a hole in many hearts.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Lynda Clay, grandparents Lyle Lynch, Lewis and Betty Clay, and brother-in-law Jared McGee. He is survived by his son Curtis Clay, father Dennis Clay, sisters and brother-in-law April & David Moon and Lauren McGee, brothers and sister-in-law David & Megan Clay and Andrew Clay, grandmother Helen Lynch, nephews and nieces Annie Moon, Lucas Moon, Caleb McGee, Chloe McGee, Kadence Clay, and Drayden Clay, as well as uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Tim Stewart Funeral Home in Loganville. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Loganville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Myers officiating. Interment with full military honors to followed at Haynes Creek Cemetery in Loganville.
The family wants to thank everyone for their love, support, and prayers during this time. Your kindness has meant more than words can express.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marcus Clay please visit our Sympathy Store.
Reposted courtesy of Tim Stewart Funeral Home.
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