CLAY DONNELL HENLEY, only son of Claude L. and Betty Donnell Henley, died on August 30, 2006, of metastatic melanoma. He was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., on November 1, 1952. The family moved to Bellaire in 1954, where Clay attended Horn Elementary. In 1963 the family moved to Meyerland where Clay attended Lovett, Johnston Jr. High, and Bellaire High School, from which he graduated in 1971.

He then attended University of Arizona, from which he graduated in 1976 with a B.F.A. degree. After working for several years in Phoenix he returned to Houston, where he spent the remainder of his life. He worked for DuBose Gallery, Contemporary Art Museum, and Pictures Plus, where he was employed at the time of his death. He was for many years a talented performer with Theatre Southwest. He was also a longtime member of the Bay City Gun Club.

The things in Clay's life that mattered most were family, friends and fun, and he had all of those in profusion. When he was diagnosed with melanoma in January of 2004 he followed the prescribed course of Interferon injections for 12 months, never losing his sense of humor. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in less than a year and after two rounds of intensive bio-chemical infusion which had little effect on the tumors he opted to stop chemo and live his allotted time as best he could.

In some ways the chemo was more devastating to him than the cancer. We will remember his grace and humility during this terrible time. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Betsy and Jim MacKay, one niece, three nephews, six cousins, two aunts, one uncle, his longtime companion and caregiver Caroline Benson, and a host of friends. A memorial service will be held at ChristChurch Presbyterian in Bellaire at 11 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2006. Online condolences may be left at paradigmfunerals.com.

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