John Calvin Clay, M.D.

John Calvin Clay, M.D.

October 20, 1944 - January 13, 2024

Dr. John Calvin Clay of Meridian, a medical oncologist who devoted forty-five years to bringing healing, comfort, and hope to his countless number of patients, passed away on January 13, 2024.

Dr. Clay was the son of Lamar C. and Evelyn Blanks Clay and grew up in the Collinsville community in Lauderdale County. Working with his father in the family-owned grocery business, he learned early the value of hard work, and from his mother, an English teacher who instilled in her children a lifelong thirst for knowledge, he learned the importance of education.

Dr. Clay was graduated from Collinsville High School and East Mississippi Community College before receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center where he also completed an Internal Medicine Internship and Residency. After serving as Chief Resident during his Internal Medicine Residency, he chose a Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology. Highly respected throughout his medical training as an intelligent, caring, and dedicated clinician with a special talent for accurately diagnosing difficult cases, Dr. Clay was named Assistant Professor of Medicine in the division of Hematology-Oncology within the Department of Internal Medicine at his alma mater.

In 1976, Dr. Clay returned to his native Lauderdale County to enter the private practice of Internal Medicine and the subspecialty of Hematology-Oncology. Upon his return, he founded Meridian Medical Associates. He later limited his practice to Hematology-Oncology and established Meridian Oncology Associates.

A Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Subspecialty Board of Medical Oncology, Dr. Clay worked tirelessly to promote the medical profession by serving in a leadership role in the Southern Association of Oncology, the Louisiana-Mississippi Association of Oncology, the East Mississippi Medical Society, the Mississippi Division of the American Cancer Society, as Co-founder of the Section of Oncology of the Southern Medical Association, and as a lifelong member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.

Dr. Clay's most desired professional mission was to bring a comprehensive Cancer Center to Meridian and East Mississippi. Determined to provide his patients with care equal to any available elsewhere, he succeeded in securing that care with the establishment of the Anderson Regional Cancer Center. His extraordinary gift in this field of medicine and his success in securing the Cancer Center changed the landscape for cancer care in East Mississippi. Upon his retirement and in his honor, the Center was named the John C. Clay M. D. Medical Oncology Center. His contributions as a physician were many, but, perhaps, his most significant contribution and the contribution that gave him the most joy was the exemplary and individual care he gave to his untold number of patients. His tender and compassionate care and the wisdom he possessed in determining the best course of treatment for each patient will long be remembered by his patients and their families.

Some of Dr. Clay's most enjoyable and treasured memories came as a devoted supporter of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Whether it be on the gridiron, hardwoods, or baseball diamond, he was in the stands supporting "The Bulldogs" all the way to the SEC championship, numerous bowl games, the Final Four, and cheering whole-heartedly as MSU won the College World Series in Omaha. Along with MSU sporting events, the sport of fishing held many fond memories for him. During his childhood, he enjoyed regular fishing outings with his dad and in later years with his beloved grandchildren - Sarah and Caden - who fondly call him "Doc Doc." He savored many beautiful moments living on Lake Mo-Ri-Lo and, joyfully, watching the mallards come and go in the stillness of the morning.

Dr. Clay is survived by his wife Beth Chisolm Clay; sons John Calvin Clay, Jr. and Stephen Lamar Clay and his wife Tabitha; grandchildren Sarah Clay and Caden Clay; brother Dan Clay and his wife Susan; his nieces, nephews, and cousins all of whom he held dear to his heart. His family extends love and appreciation for the kind care given by Mrs. Betty Howells, Mr. Eugene Randle, and Mrs. Mary Brown.

A memorial service will be held at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, January 20 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. A family burial will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Anderson Cancer Center Patient Benevolence Fund or to a charity of one's choosing.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at robertbarhamffh.com.

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.