The Pit Master

Harvey “Papa” Clay, was born on February 3, 1950 in San Angelo, Texas to Lawrence and Jessie Mae Clay. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Jessie Mae Clay; maternal grandparents, Herbert Sr. And DeVora L. Ray; paternal Grandmother, Lola Clay; and his brothers, Carl and Floyd “Skipper” Clay. 

Harvey attended Carver High School in Midland, Texas, graduating in 1968, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin Madison. He later furthered his education at the University of Hartford, and earned his Masters degree at Antioch University. Harvey used his education, in sociology and social work, to become an assistant director of a group home for children, in Hartford, Connecticut, where he meet his beautiful wife, Shirley.

In Hartford, Connecticut, he began to build his life. He became one of the top new car salesmen in the state of Connecticut, which led him to purchase his own car dealership in Springfield, Massachusetts. Once again he rose to the top, winning every customer service award handed out by Ford Motor Company. He continued his journey as automotive dealer, owning dealerships in Kilgore, Texas and Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, as well as managing a dealership in Stonewall, Louisiana. After retiring from the automotive industry he embarked on a different passion, Pitmaster, at “Real BBQ, and More” making it one of the top, and most beloved, Barbecue restaurants in the country. There he continued to spread love in the form of feeding people. His latest accomplishment was assisting his daughter in owning Que Joint, located in Shreveport on Hearne Ave.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; two daughters, Syreeta, and Erica; four grandchildren, Shyanne, Kaylanii,  Je’Mia Rai, and Ty III; one brother, Don Clay; and a legion of family and friends.

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