Mr. Clay Martin Johnson

Clay Martin Johnson of Heron Bay Alabama passed on Friday July 12,2024 after courageously battling cancer. Clay was born August 5,1959 to Lawrence & Rita Johnson. Clay is preceded in death by his loving Mother Rita Johnson, Grandparents Albert & Mary Johnson and Jesse & Ella Mae Fayle, Grandson Jonas Lyons, Sister in law Reevelon Rogers and Nephew Jimmy Scott. He is survived by his much loved sons Stephen Johnson (Tasha), Chad Johnson(Taylor Brock) and Brandon Lyons, Stephen & Chad’s Mother Lisa Johnson, his Grandchildren Christina, Madalyn & Stephany Johnson and Bryahna & Asher Lyons. Clay is also survived by his Father Lawrence Johnson (Janice), Brother Floyd Johnson (Rhonda) , Sisters Flo Thompson & Phyllis Peters (Michael), Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, Nieces & Nephews and many great friends. Clay was a 1978 graduate of Alba High School. After graduation Clay worked many years as a welder at several local shipyards and later Ingalls Shipbuilding. He was also a commercial crabber for a time but he will best be remembered for his expertise in building oyster rakes. Clay inherited and continued the blacksmithing craft from his Grandfather Albert Johnson. Clay started making rakes at just 14 years old and continued for over 50 years. He handcrafted the majority of rakes used by local oystermen and had customers in Mississippi, Florida, Virginia and Auburn University. Clays rakes are very well known for being well made and reliable. The oystercatchers knew they could count on Clay to build a pair of rakes that would catch well and stand up to the rigorous task of hauling in oysters. Many have tried to copy them but none have been successful in building a pair of rakes to beat the Johnson rakes. It was a regular occurrence to see the flash of his torch and hear the bang of his hammer as he worked late into the night. Clay was very proud of his craft so much so that he had a boat built that he proudly christened The Raker. Clay enjoyed being on the water, he spent many happy times fishing and spending time with his family. He was an accomplished craftsman, he carved and painted beautiful ducks for many years. The family offer their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Mobile Infirmary Hospital and The Retreat Hospice for their care given during his time there. Funeral services will be held at Heron Bay Baptist Church on Wednesday July 17. Visitation will be from 10:00-12:00 with service beginning at 12:00. Interment will be at Dorlon Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be Stephen Johnson, Chad Johnson, Michael Johnson, Brent Peters, James Paul Collier & John Collier. Honorary pallbearers are Floyd Johnson, Michael Peters, Buddy Fiedler, Chip Megginson, Connie Megginson and Scott Johnson.

Mr. Clay Martin Johnson

August 5, 1959 - July 12, 2024