Contact UsAlexandriaChantilly

Helpful Forms Send Flowers

(703) 378-6896

Chantilly, VA

(703) 465-1800

Alexandria, VA

Edwin S. "Sam" Clay III

edwin clay

July 16, 1945 ~ May 7, 2026

Born in: Blackstone, Virginia
Resided in: Alexandria, Virginia

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Thank you for sharing your passion and intellect with us.
    Sam Clay was my professor at Catholic University. Rest in peace!

    Reply

  4. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
    May Sam’s family find comfort in happy memories and peace in hope of the resurrection.

    Reply

  5. Condolences to the Clay family. Worked with Sam at Fairfax County Public Library for many good years.

    Reply

  6. It was always such a cheerful occasion when I’d pick up the phone and hear” Sam Clay here, Anne…..”
    They bring back fond memories of our discussions about the role of the library in the community.

    Reply

  7. My favorite memory of Mr. Clay is from the very first Staff Library Games, which was hosted by the Centreville Regional Library, in the early 10’s. Mr. Clay sanctioned the after hours event that year and was part of the team representing Library Admin, competing in a number of the games along side the the rest of us! There have been at least 3 Staff Library Games since then, which have all been filled with fun, laughter, and comradery and it was all because Mr. Clay said yes to that first crazy, morale boosting, idea presented by two former CE staff members.

    Rest in Peace, Mr. Clay. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to the Fairfax County Public Library. Comfort and sympathy to the Clay family.

    Reply

  8. So sorry to know of Sam’s passing and my condolences to his family. He was indeed a great light for libraries. Thank you Sam!

    Reply

  9. I had the pleasure of working with Sam on a multi-agency workgroup. His enthusiasm and positivity were clear, and he was so giving of his time.

    May he rest in peace and his family be comforted by joyful memories. And I hope he gets a chance to hang with Elvis.

    Reply

  10. My condolences to the Clay family. My career at FCPL started a year before he arrived and I retired before he did. I also served on the Board of Trustees before he retired. He was a great cheerleader for FCPL and will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.

    Reply

  11. I will always remember Sam kindness, humor, and how he could light up any room with his presence just like Elvis! My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Clay family. May Sam rest in everlasting peace.

    Reply

  12. I got to know Sam through his support for the Fall for the Book festival, where I was the director. He was the second but longest-serving board chair. It was a role in which he was magnificent. All his charm, wit, intellectual powers—and his gentle but effective arm-twisting—were brought to bear to the great benefit of our fledgling book festival that he clearly wanted to help as much as he could. And he did, tirelessly, and seemingly so effortlessly. I have missed him and thought of him often since we both moved on from those days. I am quite saddened by this news. I wish all of his family well and offer you my most sincere condolences.

    Reply

  13. I am so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing and my heartfelt condolences to the Clay family. Sam was always so kind to me and every branch was his “favorite.”

    Reply

  14. Sending my condolences to the family of Sam Clay. Sam was such an amazing leader and mentor, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked under his guidance. May he rest in peace and prayers to his family.

    Reply

  15. Boss, colleague, good friend. My years working with Sam were a great experience. I learned so much from an ever inquiring mind. Gone too soon. Now rest and enjoy peace.

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle