Claiborne Eugene “Clay” Edwards (90), of Chester, VA, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and great friend to many, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, love, and great faith. An amazing man who had an incredible way of making people feel welcomed, of bringing laughter into any room, of reminding us that life is meant to be lived with gratitude and abundant JOY! Born on January 25th, 1935, in Petersburg, Virginia. Clay was the middle child of Walter and Lucile Edwards. He grew up with a lively spirit and a love for entertaining all those around him. That spark of humor and showmanship never left him; it became one of the defining threads of his life. His goal in life was to put a smile on your face, and his antics were notorious especially with his little sister. He grew to play the trombone (which was bigger than him) in the marching band, was voted most likable and best looking, in many a yearbook. After graduating from Petersburg High School in 1953, he moved to Houston, Texas and attended the University of Houston and worked as a draftsman for Joy Manufacturing Co. He joined the Air Force reserves in 1955 with basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Leonard in Wood, Mo. In 1958, he was drafted into the US Army and served in Heidelburg, Germany, rebuilding bridges for the 541st Engineering Company. He was honorably discharged at Fort Hamilton in 1960 to attend to his dying father in Petersburg, VA. He started work at Allied Chemical Co. (Honeywell), in the Dye Application Research Laboratory before attending John Tyler College to earn his degree in electrical studies. He joined the Allied Chemical Electrical and Instrumentation Program as an apprentice and worked as a plant electrician for 40 years until his retirement in 2000. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Carene, and began to build his most precious audience of 3 children, 3 granddaughters, and 6 great grandchildren with one on the way, to love, cherish, and be his most humorous self. He dedicated his life to service, volunteering with the Fibers Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, the American Legion Veterans Service Organization, and many, many other church and community activities. Faith was central to Clay’s life. A lifelong member of Blandford United Methodist Church and later Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church, he professed Christ as his Savior and joined the church at 11 years old. He served with humility and devotion on all committees, was the Administrative Board Chairman for several years, VP of the United Methodist Men, Choir member, and taught 5th grade and adult Sunday school classes. He believed and served out his faith with action, compassion, and fellowship, especially through the Emmaus outreach community; he so loved bringing joy to all he met and served. He was preceded in death and is now with his beloved, Carene Estelle Brown Edwards, his parents, Walter Thomas and Lucile Eliza Slate Edwards, his brother, Walter Thomas (Tommy), Jr. and wife Betty Edwards, Brother-in-law, Norman and niece Kimberly Jenkins. He is survived by his sister Mary Lou Jenkins, his children, Kenna Owen, Robin Gayle, Lisa Rene’ and Timothy Lee Brock (SIL), Granddaughters, Lauren (Jacob) Smith, Emily (Benjamin) Holt, Sarah (Daniel) Freshley, Great grandchildren, Jackson Luke, Caroline Grace, and William Henry Smith, Henry Brickman Holt, Peighton Grace, and Daniel Paul III(Tripp) Freshley and many, many, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Clay’s love, generosity, and joyful spirit touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community. Family will receive visitors Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6-8pm at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A celebration of Clay’s life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Ivey Memorial Church at 17120 US Route 1, Colonial Heights VA 23834 and Interment of our mother and our father will be at Old Blandford Cemetery on Crater Road in Petersburg VA. After the graveside service, we invite all to attend a celebratory luncheon at Ivey Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Ivey Memorial Church to the Edwards Walk to Emmaus Scholarship fund.