RUSSELL CLAY, a resident of Eureka Springs, was born July 25, 1924, in Thayer, Mo., a son of Gilbert and Velma Gladys (Newberry) Clay. He died Monday, April 23, 2007, at Eureka Springs Hospital at the age of 82.

Mr. Clay was a structural engineer in the oil industry.

On June 2, 1946, he was united in marriage with Katy Higgins, who survives him of the home; four daughters, Russene Clay, Debbie Clay, Kathy and her husband Larry Harrison, and Dee and her husband Michael Garrett, all of Eureka Springs; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Memorial services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at the Eureka Springs Auditorium. Memorial donations may be sent to the Russell Clay Memorial Fund at Community First Bank of Eureka Springs.