of Greenbrier, AR
January 4, 1936 - January 12, 2026
Orbin Eudell Clay, age 90, passed away on January 12, 2026. He was born on January 4, 1936, in Rose Bud, Arkansas, to John Kenzy and Emma Clay.
Orbin was a Vietnam Veteran, having joined the United States Air Force, where he served for more than 30 years attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. A master mechanic and maintenance leader, he completed tours in Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Germany, England, and many other locations. His distinguished career ranged from working on experimental aircraft projects to serving as Flight Line Chief, earning numerous awards and commendations along the way.
After returning to Arkansas and retiring from the Air Force, Orbin went to work for Sears and Roebuck, where he led their field service division until his second retirement. Never one to stay idle, he later opened his own small engine repair business, continuing to help neighbors and friends with the same skill and generosity he was known for.
In his spare time, Orbin loved to golf, fish, and hunt--and especially golf. One of the perks of living on an Air Force base was that everyone had a golf course. While stationed in San Antonio, Texas, he even took a part-time job at a PGA course just for the playing privileges and free passes to the Texas Open.
While living in Little Rock, Orbin was a faithful member and deacon of Bingham Road Baptist Church, where he made many lifelong friends (and a few golf partners). Later, after moving to Greenbrier, he became a member of Needs Creek Baptist Church, where he and Betty were welcomed with loving arms. After Betty's passing, Orbin moved to Camden, Tennessee, to live with Terry and Mark. He enjoyed spending time with family, taking drives, and eating. Yes--eating. He was a Baptist through and through.
Orbin is survived by his sister Charlene (Roger) Bynum of Sherwood; daughter Terry (Mark) Bailey of Camden, TN; son Eric (Pam) Clay of Greenbrier; four grandchildren: Mark Bailey (Anna) of Beebe, Jennifer Evans of Camden, TN, Brent Clay of Mount Vernon, and Lindsey (Andrew) Betts of Conway; four great-grandchildren, Alexzandria and Cassadi Evans, Gage and Jordan Bailey; and one great-great grandson, Myles Sanders.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty; sisters Vannah Oakley and Mary Alice Kaylor; and brothers Donnie, Doyne, Rob, Calvin, and Julius Clay.
The family would like to extend its love and gratitude to the many family members and friends who offered calls, emails, texts, prayers, and encouragement. Your kindness was truly felt.
Funeral Service will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00AM at Needs Creek Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Visitation will be one-hour prior Saturday, at the Church. Burial will follow at Needs Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International in Orbin's honor: https://gideons.org/giving-methods#gideon-card
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14 Condolence(s)
William & Cherre Holley
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Brent, So sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. Cherish the memories you had together. Look to God for guidance. We are praying for comfort and peace through the coming days and weeks. Love, in Christ.
Stephanie Haynes
Friday, January 16, 2026
Eric and family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for each of you.
Shannon Thomas Williams
Friday, January 16, 2026
So sorry for your loss! It is hard losing your dad! Until we see him again! Hugs
Mary Moffitt Harris
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Orb was my cousin, he grew up with my older siblings, so I have heard lots of Funny stories about things they did as kids, I’m sorry the miles between us were so many, keeping us from being closer as family. I know he was a great person. May God Comfort and Bless all the family
Brenda Mize
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Clay, Brent and Lindsey I am so sorry for you loss prayers for you all and his families.
Brenda Ramsey Mize.
Rhonda Saunders
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Thank you for all the wonderful memories, Uncle Orbin. You will be terribly missed.
Randy Clay
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Uncle Orbin was a Christian man who loved many, and was loved by more. Had an infectious smile and love his family dearly. He and his brothers love to play domino’s. He will be missed dearly.
Carolyn Ferguson
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Cassadi & Jack
Thursday, January 15, 2026
We miss you Peepaw! We love you so much!!
James and Shirley
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Eric, Pam and family, Please accept our condolence and sympathy in the passing of your Dad. Praying God will give you the strength to get through this. Dad is in a much better place now.
Love you.
James and Shirley
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Eric, Pam and family, Please accept our condolence and sympathy in the passing of your Dad. Praying God will give you the strength to get through this. Dad is in a much better place now.
Love you.
The Sanders
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
You will be missed Peepaw! We love you so much!
Pete Thomas
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Sure miss him and Betty You'll not find two sweeter people served GOD with them at Bingham Rd. BAPTIST CHURCH FOR 5 YEARS beautiful couple love them both
Donna Brewer
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Bless you and your sweet family. I am so glad that Little man got to know his Peepaw. Prayers
Donna