Eugene "Gene" Orville Clay

Eugene “Gene” Orville Clay

Eugene “Gene” Orville Clay, age 91, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Sunday, January 16, 2022.  Gene was born on Monday, February 24, 1930, in Linglestown to the late Harry G. Clay and Esta M. (Hoerner) Clay.  Gene was the widower of Peggy (Masonheimer) Clay, whom he married on May 9, 1971, and who died on May 3, 2010.  In addition to his wife of 39 years and his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his four brothers: John, Marlin, Ernest, and Warren; and his sister, Mary Kreiser.

Gene’s survivors include his son, Michael “Mike” E. Clay of Camp Hill; his step-son, Robert Fletcher and wife, Debbie, of Camp Hill; his two grandchildren: Amanda Lane and Daniel Fletcher; his three great-grandchildren: Loudon Lane, Sunny Rose Lane, and Jack Eugene Fletcher; his sister, Thelma Milliken; and many nieces and nephews.

Gene proudly served in the United States Navy and Navy Reserve for nine years.  He was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central Railroad, and Conrail for 40 years.  Gene retired from Amtrak Service as the last Station Master.  He attended the New Cumberland First Church of God.  Gene was a past member of Linglestown Fire Company No. 1 and West Hanover Volunteer Fire Company 36 in Dauphin County.  He was a lifetime member of Silver Spring Community Fire Company, where he served as trustee, assistant treasurer, fire police, and financial treasure for over 16 years.  Gene was a life member of the Yellow Breeches Anglers & Conservation Association with 22 years of service as a director and president.  He also served for six years as a township supervisor for West Hanover Township in Dauphin County.  Gene was instrumental in organizing the Midget Football Program in Linglestown and spent four years coaching.  He was a coach for Linglestown baseball as well.

All are welcome to join Gene’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Charlie Zahora officiating.  Gene’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Burial will follow the reception in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill.

Contributions in celebration of Gene’s life can be made to New Cumberland First Church of God, 323 Reno Avenue, New Cumberland, PA 17070, https://www.ncfcog.org/giving, or Silver Spring Community Fire Company, 6471 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Gene’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Gene’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.