With deep love and steadfast hope in Christ, we celebrate the life of Clayton Duke Jennings, who went home to be with Jesus on April 22, 2026, at the age of 81.

Clay was born on February 18, 1945, in the small town of Trion, Georgia, to Helen and Duke Jennings- wonderful parents who prioritized faith and church in their family. At the age of 9, Clay accepted Christ as his Savior, a decision he would later say was the most important of his life. As a young boy, he enjoyed his friends, family, tennis, and golf. He began his college career at North Georgia College and later transferred to the University of Georgia in Athens, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. While there, he served as Business Manager for the Red & Black University Newspaper. Upon graduation, Clay went to work at Westinghouse Electric Company on June 5, 1967-a decision that led not only to a long and prosperous career but also to meeting the love of his life, Margaret Williams. She was the pretty receptionist and the first person he laid eyes on at Westinghouse. They met in September, were engaged in December, and married on April 29, 1968.

Later that year, Clay joined the Army National Guard and served ten months of active duty before completing five years in the Army Reserves. His career with Westinghouse began in Athens, Georgia, and took him and Margaret to Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Pensacola, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as Human Resources Manager. He left Westinghouse to serve as Regional Human Resources Director for Garan, Incorporated in Starkville, Mississippi, only to return to Westinghouse one year later. He completed his career in the Westinghouse corporate office in Pittsburgh while flying home each weekend to Savannah, Georgia, where they resided for several years. Throughout his career, Clay was known for his character, kindness, work ethic, and negotiation skills. He traveled the world, both for business and pleasure, and retired in Gulf Breeze, Florida, October 2010, enjoying many years thereafter golfing, boating, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

While Clay’s career was stellar, his faith and love for his wife and family were the center of his life. His greatest joy and pleasure were taking care of his “bride,” a devotion that was truly unmatched. They celebrated 58 beautiful years of marriage this April. His second greatest joy was taking care of his “girls” and four grandchildren, who all completely adored him.

Clay is preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his wife, Margaret Williams Jennings; daughter, Lisa Thompson; daughter, Susan Hill (Tripp); and four grandchildren, Charles Swearingen (Savanna), Brooke Mutz (Walker), Hayden Hill (Lidia), and Hallie Haggard (Carter).

The family wishes to thank VITAS Hospice for their outstanding care in his last days.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Clay’s Life at 10:00 a.m, to be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Pleitz Chapel at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, services will be officiated by Pastor Dave Snyder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Samaritan’s Hand Ministry of First Baptist Church, Pensacola, a ministry that Clay loved and faithfully supported.