Clay Douglas Rich went home to his Heavenly Father on May 11, 2021 in Cypress, Texas.  Clay was born in Denver, Colorado on March 1, 1955.  He began swimming competitively at a young age and enjoyed many years of surpassing expectations and breaking records as a long-distance relay swimmer at the Shamrock Hilton Swim Club, and later the Houston Swim Club in the 1960s and early 70s.  He was a mischievous and clever child, and a fun-loving and protective older brother.  Clay became an active member of the youth group at Glen Rose Baptist Church in high school, and when he wasn't swimming, he was leading the youth ministry and sharing his faith with others.  He graduated from Waltrip High School in 1973 and attended the University of Arkansas on a swimming scholarship.

Clay married his high school sweetheart Ginny Hughes in 1974 and graduated from college in 1977.  Over the years, Clay worked in various fields, including managing his father's auto shop and in retail stores, as a real estate agent, and as a machinist.  Clay had a photographic memory and was an avid reader.  He could tell you anything you needed to know about history and he loved a good political debate.  He was a fan of all types of sports, but particularly baseball and football, and more specifically the Houston Astros and Arkansas Razorbacks.  Above all, his favorite part of life was being Dad to his children, and Pappy to his grandchildren.  He was loved beyond words and now missed beyond measure.

Clay was preceded in death by his father, O.C. Rich, and sister Sandra Rich Oberpriller.  He is survived by his mother, Sammye Rich; children, Mindy Harper and husband Thomas Harper, and Joshua Rich and wife Lyndsi Rich; grandchildren, Coleman Harper, Maddie Harper, Miles Harper, Paisli Rich, and Charlotte Rich; sister Amy Buck and husband Geoff Buck; brother David Rich; nieces and nephews Sydni and Trent Willis, Samantha Buck, Austin Buck, and Travis Buck; former wife but forever love and friend Ginny Rich and her extended Hughes family; his swimming family; and friends who he held dear in his memories.  Those who knew Clay enjoyed and will miss his sense of humor, loving heart, and quiet faith.

The immediate family will have a private gathering on Father's Day to celebrate Clay's life and share memories of their time with him.  In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to donate to the Houston Boychoir (www.houstonboychoir.org), HSPVA Friends (www.hspvafriends.org), or the charity of your choosing.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26.