Richard Clay Small

Richard Clay Small passed away on February 22 at the age of 42. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Small and his mother, Pauline Small. Clay is survived by his sister, Aimee Cheleen Small, his Uncle Daniel Small and wife Janine Small, and his Uncle Walter Douglas Sawyer and his wife Linda Sawyer, as well as many cousins and close and extended friends.

Clay was born on July 6, 1977 to Richard Orville Small and Pauline Sawyer Small. Clay grew up in Sealy Texas. When he was a little boy was in Cub Scouts. He loved making pine box derby cars with his dad. They did lots of things together. They built a boat and took it down the Brazos river, camping along the way. They also often went fishing in a nearby pond. Clay also developed a love for cooking at an early age. He would often make "concoctions" for himself as an afternoon snack. They usually looked disgusting but he always said they tasted great. As he grew older he became interested in art and music.

He played trombone in high school, just like his father. Band was by far his favorite subject. He practiced all the time and loved playing at the football games. He was very talented in all things relating to the arts. Additionally, he taught himself how to play guitar. When he wasn't playing one of his many instruments, he was drawing or painting. In high school his pictures won awards at the Rodeo Art Show. But his favorite thing to draw was cartoons and creating characters. He designed the tattoo on his arm as well.

After high school Clay attended Blinn College. He felt that Blinn was not a good fit so he decided to attend the Art Institute of Houston where he furthered his passion for art. Clay discovered that he would rather pursue other interests and joined the upscale side of the food and beverage industry. He worked in Austin, Miami, New York, and Houston. He was requested by name often to bartend in River Oaks at some of the major society parties. Once I asked him to help me with my school banquet because I was short handed. I was so incredibly proud of him and the way he took care of the parents and students that night. He really loved cooking for people and making everyone happy.

He enjoyed playing board games. Ever since our father taught him how to play backgammon he couldn't get enough. When I was cleaning out his apartment, I discovered he had 4 backgammon boards. This along with Operation, Smurfs, Life, Hi Ho Cheerio, poker chips and cards. He loved woodworking with Dad and was so excited to get his carving set. He made several beautiful kitchen cutting boards. Heloved tinkering with things outside and building furniture. He took our parent's three wheel bicycle, souped it up, and made it a lowrider. He hoped to one day open a space in Houston where people could come to his warehouse and rent his tools so they could create DIY projects without buying their own tools.

Growing up he had a dog who he named Bob the boxer. He loved Bob very much even though he ate the seat off the lawn mower. They were inseparable. He still got choked up whenever he would talk about him.

I think the most important thing to remember about Clay is how much he loved life. He wasn't about rules and fitting into the adult mainstream. He was about trying new things and being with the people you love. Clay will be remembered most for his love and support, sweet nature, and his easy going spirit. His life will be celebrated in a memorial service held on April 10th at 3:00. The family will be there at 2:30 to visit. If anyone wants to get food afterward, we can find a place together. The service will be at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston. We encourage friends and family to speak and tell stories of their fond memories of Clay. If you would like to speak but don't think you will be able to, just send  Aimee a private message.