Christopher Logan Clay

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Christopher Logan Clay, born July 11, 1980, was taken from us far too soon on February 15, 2026. A gifted musician whose guitar carried his dreams, and a brilliant mind in the world of computers. He was a husband, a son, and a brother whose light we will always miss. Christopher is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Clay.  Christopher leaves behind his wife, Gelyn Clay, his mother, Deborah Clay, and his siblings— Brian Wallace, Deanna Clay, Samantha Hilmus, and Katherine Clay. Though gone too soon, his passion and love will forever be with us.

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Bands/Albums that Remind me of Chris:
Radiohead - Kid A
                  The Islands - Return to the Sea
                  Kyuss - Welcome to Sky Valley/ ...And the Circus Leaves Town
                  The Cardigans - Gran Turismo
                  The Sword
                  The Mermen - A Glorious Lethal Euphoria
                  Lovage: Music to make love to your old lady by
                  Ween
                  

Timeline

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Videos

Memory wall

March 4, 2026

We miss you, Chris!

USACE

February 26, 2026

For the LOVE of my life, I have started to create a Memorial Altar for you. Because you will be cremated tomorrow, I wanted to create this spiritual place and welcome you back into our home with warm welcome. I have offerings of remainders of you as well as gifts given to you and gifts you have given me. I would love for you to come and visit me with your laughter, smile, and the best hugs one could ever receive. You have made your mark on each and every one of us, and now is the time for you to visit and bask in the celebration that was your life. You have fulfilled the lives of many, and they want to honor your memory. You have left us far too soon. In your wake, I welcome you to remind us all of one story we can share with each other. I love you so much, my love, my darling, and most importantly, the Love of My Life!

Gelyn Kline

February 18, 2026

Chris was a kind soul. A true friend, through thick and thin, always ready with a smile and a lighthearted word. Generous even when he had little, Chris gave me a roof over my head for a time in Starkville when I needed a place. He loved music, fun, and time with friends. To this day, I know what I do about guitars (and desert rock) because of my time with Chris. Once, as a prank, I inserted a Divinyls song into his playlist at a party he was having. I still remember the look of horror that came over his face when he realized what was happening. And no, he was NOT going to let the song play all the way through. I still smile to this day when I think about that. Chris, my friend, you were taken from us too soon. You will remain in our minds and hearts, and because of you, we will continue to smile. Godspeed buddy.

Jeremy Brewer

February 16, 2026

What’s your favorite ice cream?
Just one of so many hilarious moments/conversations with Chris (though I knew him as Logan). I had the privilege of meeting Chris when I was given the opportunity to join the Because Nerd podcast family. What a sense of humor. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I enjoyed every minute of our time recording Because Nerd and just as much or more when it was just talking, shooting the sh*t. There was a poster behind his camera view on our video calls. I asked him many times what it was. Became an ongoing joke, asking what the poster is, always more ridiculous over time. That poster was Blue Oyster Cult. I will miss you my brother in Nerd Badassery.

Michigan Mike

February 16, 2026

I still think back to the nights we had at Unisys, you were one of the few bright spots that made it bearable. You introduced me to The Sword and I'll never forget that. I'll also never forget when you took the insane hot sauce from work to try it on something at home, you came back the next morning and said if spilled too much into the pan and basically turned to tear gas.

You're already missed, Chris.

Jeremy Montague

February 16, 2026

Chris introduced amazing music to so many people. The variety and creativity of his musical arsenal was unmatched by most. He personally introduced me to Desert Rock. Kyuss became one of my favorite bands of all time, which was quickly followed by QOTSA.
I was amused to learn that he was very much into Parliament, Stevie Wonder, The Cars, Devo, and a lot of other musicians that did not seem to fit the type of music I would have stereotyped him to have been interested in when I first met him. I have already read over the attestations others have shared within the last few days. I would love it if people would include these memories of how much Chris influenced their taste and experimentation with music.

Gelyn

February 16, 2026

To my brother Christopher, you fought so hard, now you can rest my brother. I will miss calling you as you were always there no matter what I needed. I will miss seeing your name pop up on my phone. You were the best big brother anyone could ask for. I will miss your laugh, your jokes, your “logistics” way of speaking, your incredible heart. I did not know a hole could be this big in my heart, but I will carry you with me for the rest of my life and I love you so much. I know you’re with Jesus and Daddy now, and I hold tight to this. I will miss you forever bro, until we meet again.

Your lil sister, Deanna (Lil Red) (Banana)

Deanna Clay

February 16, 2026

I sometimes tell people, ""if I had met Chris sooner, I'd be an actual musician today." What I mean is, when I took a handful of guitar lessons from Chris, I was struck by what a patient, kind, generous teacher he was. I soon found out Chris is that way in all the interactions, musical or otherwise, I've had with him.Back in the Canterbury days, Chris's apartment was a hub of warmth & conviviality.... whether the get-together was Pirate Party blow-out or just a handful of folks gathering 'round the video hearth, Chris has always been a friendly, gracious host. He introduced me to Cowboy Be-Bop and other classics.
Chris and Gelyn took me in when my dog got sick & didn't make it, and enveloped me with comfort and love. I still get choked up thinking about it, not just because of my dog, but also because of how touched I was by their care.
My life has been enriched because of being
a friend of Chris Clay. with love & gratitude, Robin

Robin

February 16, 2026

Miss you Chris...

Samantha Hilmus

Family tree

Other family members

Nathan Ryan Hilmus

Nephew

James Porter Hilmus II

Nephew

Lindsey Hilmus

Niece

Declan Beattie

Nephew 

Annabelle Beattie

Niece 

William Abel

Patricia Collins

N.T. Clay

Frances Clay

Deborah Clay

Joseph Clay

Gelyn Kline Clay

Brian Wallace

Deanna Clay

Samantha Hilmus

Katherine Clay

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Brian Wallace

Deanna Clay

Samantha Hilmus

Katherine Clay

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Gelyn Kline Clay

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Christopher Clay

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