Leslie D. Clay

Sunrise: December 13th, 1945 Sunset: July 12th, 2024. God whispered to the angels that it was time, and they gently lifted the soul of Leslie D. Clay to his final resting place with the Lord. Today we celebrate the incredible life and journey of Leslie D. Clay, affectionately known as dad to three children and commonly referred to as Uncle Les by many. Leslie was the fifth child born to Lula Mack Moore, born in Rosedale, Mississippi, on December 13th, 1945. At the tender age of five, Leslie moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his brother Larry Clay. His mother, Lula Moore, planted the seed of self-pride and wisdom in Leslie. He fondly spoke about the many adventures on Ann St. where he grew up, where he met many lifelong friends and learned valuable lessons. Leslie attended Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a youth, he enjoyed photography, fishing, drawing, and carving wood. His creative talents also included singing and dancing. In his early twenties, Leslie put his talents to use by joining the singing group “The Montrells”. He sang bass and was known for his signature and nationally renowned dance move, “The Coffee Grind”. Many will remember Leslie as the life of the party with an unforgettable smile.

Leslie also had a serious, no-nonsense side. In the early 60s, he immersed himself in the Civil Rights movement by joining protests against black discrimination. He was a proud Black Panther of the Ann Arbor chapter. Leslie believed in equality and honor for all. He was known for protecting those who could not protect themselves. This militant characteristic led him to join the French Dukes of Ann Arbor. Leslie enjoyed the disciplined step moves and, of course, created his own known as the “L.C. Special”.

Leslie was extremely well-rounded with many employment opportunities. He especially enjoyed his occupation as a bus driver for the Ann Arbor Public Schools and AATA Bus Transportation. He was well known in his community by many youths, serving as a lunchroom supervisor at Bryant Elementary School in Ann Arbor. This opportunity greatly attributes to his nickname “Uncle Les”.

Leslie enjoyed telling stories with great detail. He shared his love for his friends who preceded him in death, including but not limited to Tommy Drewery, Jimmy Jones, Matt “Mack” Matthew, Gerald Ulmer, and Melvin Harris. Each friend was always in his heart and memory.

Leslie lived a life loving the Lord and encouraging his kids to lean on the Lord through everything. He grew up attending Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor. As an adult, he became a member. He believed Jesus died for our sins and was content with his life. Leslie lived a full life and will be missed by many.

Leslie leaves to cherish his memories of life: Three children Lee Clay of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Yolanda Ragland (Keith Ragland) of Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, and Shantavia Clay of Livonia, MI. His grandchildren Brandy Clay of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Leilani Clay of Flint, Michigan, Elleona Ragland, Keith D. Ragland of Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, and Zion Clay of Livonia, Michigan. Three nieces, Jessie Marie Rogers Miles of Ann Arbor, MI, Norville Jackson of Ann Arbor, MI, MaiLee Jones of San Leandro, California. A nephew Marvin Crowder of Ann Arbor and a host of many more cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother Lula Mack Moore, his sister Ruth Mae Rogers, brothers Cornelius “Percey” Jones, and Larry D. Clay. His son Larry D. Clay, his grandson Brandon D. Cross, his nephew Nicholas Jackson, his niece Charlotte Denise Jones, and his Aunt L.A. and Pauline Davis. The family would like to extend our greatest gratitude to all of our family and friends for your calls, texts, flowers, donations, precious prayers, and words of encouragement. We would like to especially thank JoAnn Ford Bell for once again stepping in to help Leslie Clay live his last days comfortably and with pride. Leslie D. Clay has departed from this earth but will live forever in our hearts. May he fly high with the Lord and watch over all of those who loved him.

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