Mr. Finny Clay

[easttntrapper]

Prayers to the Clay family.

[henpeck]

Condolences and prayers to the whole Clay family. RIP

[Dan Edwards]

I haven't been on this site in a long time and I come back here today to see this. That's really sad news and I hope his family is getting along ok during this time of loss. I really wish I could have met the man. He is truly a legend. RIP Mr. Finny.

[Ker_man]

Condolences to the Clay family.

[South Texan]

Our thoughts and prayers for the Clay family!

[david]

You might find someone who knows more about bobcat dogs that E.Finney Clay did, but I doubt it. You might find someone who knows more about bobcat hunting than Mr. Clay did, but I don't know who that would be. I wonder if you will find someone who has been unwaveringly breeding the same line of pure-bred registered dogs for bobcat and only bobcat for over 50 years? I don't know of any one other than E. Finney Clay.

can you find someone else who has done all the above, and never ever taken money for a pup or a started dog or a finished dog?...Some one who has turned down enough money to retire on because he would not sell his pack of dogs? ...A man who has loaned or given away top pure-bred finished bobcat dogs trained by one of the worlds best trainers? And this to help others with what they are trying to accomplish. He has never sold bobcats or bobcat hunts.

I mean, I just dont know any one quite like E Finney Clay was. Some of these things are beyond my understanding. How does a little boy get born and become E. Finney Clay? And where does that kind of giving come from? Where else can we find that kind of stamina and longevity in an endeavor that will never yeild a dime or a dollar in pay back? If he only had more enemies, I would say he is of the type we read about in history books who conquered empires. But they all had great financial gain in mind. Finney Clay was like no other that I know of.

I join my voice to those who have said Rest In Peace. I hope also all the family members can find rest and peace in the midst of some very trying times. May God provide miracles of providence, protection, justice, comfort, love and convenience as you all face the difficult days and months ahead.

There is an ancient song written down on scrolls around 3,000 years ago. I have been reading through it myself and find comfort in it. I share it in hopes that friends and family could find the same. It was written by another man who, like Finney, was the best at what he did; a man named David.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." (Psalm 23)

[pegleg]

in these times there is nothing anyone can say to ease the loss or pain. only time and the good memories can do that and even these are often sadly lacking in their ability to fill the void left by a loved one. our thoughts and prayers are with the Clay family and we hope that the joy of having the Finny in your lives quickly helps muffle the pain of his loss.

[R Severe]

My condolences to this great family. My hope is they can get thru this time of sorrow by focus on the happy times this man has shared with them.
RS

[Big N' Blue]

David, that post was beautiful and so true!
Mr. Finney, Rest in Peace and don't give Buster too hard a time up there!
We will all see you soon!
God Bless the Clay family, and may God vanquish evil and greed from our world!

[mark]

I was blessed to be able to spend a few nights hunting with Mr. Finny. I have been in close contact with Carey and Meme so im going to go a different direction here and hope they dont mind. Hunting with Finny is a time i will never forget, the humor he provided (even though he wasnt in the best health) was never ending.
I had grown pretty fond of one his dogs in particular and told him so quite often. The night before i was to fly back home i leaned forward and put my hand on his shoulder and told him that i was going to leave 43 cents with him before i left. He turned his head towards me and asked what the he.. for? I told him if he ever got tired of ol Fido just stick a postage stamp on his side and send him back to Oregon to me. He politely with a big grin on his face told me that if the dog wasnt worth driving back and picking up, he wasnt worth owning.
Good by old friend and know that you left an ever lasting impression on my life.

[Sierra Madre]

Stay strong Carey.
Let us know if we can do anything....

[CRA]

I have known this day would soon come because I knew how sick Mr. Finney was. I’m blessed and very grateful to have been able to spend some time with Finney in the woods hunting bobcats and around his living room talking dogs. Despite Finney’s age and health issues his drive to hunt bobcats was stronger than most young healthy hunters. Finney dedicated his entire life to pursuing the bobcat and breeding a line of registered Walkers that felt the same about pursuing the bobcat as Finney.

Finney is now in a place where the cat races are always a jumped roar and never go out of hearing. He is surrounded by close loved ones, old and new cat hunting friends. When the race is over he can sit in a comfortable easy chair surrounded by the best cat country telling stories and talking dogs. I’m sure if that’s what heaven is like there won’t be any complaints from Finney.

I will sure miss, Mr. Finney but I know he is in a much better place than we are. Throughout my life, I have lost several really close dear friends and family members to me that loved cat hunting and hounds so I know that Finney is in good cat hunting company. Save a seat for me around the fire. Rest in Peace my friend.

[davidg1!]

Prayers scent, much wisdom and knowledge gone.

[slowandeasy]

I see that some of us took a little time to ponder what to say. Trying to keep it on a happier note. I did not get to go on the wild cat round up. Down in the dueling banjo hills of Arkansas, of which my partners in crime speak of. How ever I did get my nose rubbed in the good hound work that I missed. Along with good ole fashion Southern Hospitality.


But it was a pleasure that Carey, Mr. Finney, and Mrs. MeMe took the time to stop and have super with me in Ashfork, Az. On their way back from the cat gathering. For those that did not get the opportunity to meet the man. I will say this. It was obvious the knowledge of genetics, hound savy, and passion for the sport wrapped up inside the man. Obvious to both those that have been down the road, and those new comers smart enough to recognize the opportunity to soak like a sponge the knowledge underneath his hat. And have no doubt a true Dog Man has joined others in the happy hunting grounds giving the cats a fit.


Cary, Mrs. MeMe, Miss Baylee, and the entire family,

Know that there are prayers from our place, and other parts of the country. For peace, and a special calmness for you all.



Take care, Willie

[grouse]

Very sad news , thoughts and prayers for the family .