Charles “Clay” Deems Jr., 48, headed to the great golf course in the sky on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was born in Youngstown, OH on March 22, 1977, a son of Charles Deems Sr. and the late Mary (King) Rudolph.

Clay graduated from Warren G. Harding Highschool. He was an Assembler for Miller Industries in Hermitage, PA. He married Dokinda (Martin) Deems in 2001 and they shared 5 beautiful children.

You were almost always guaranteed to find Clay on the golf course or casting out a line any chance he got. He was a passionate sports fan and a die-hard Eagles fan. He enjoyed relaxing with a drink and it was always with Budweiser and Goldschläger. He was a corn-hole master. It didn’t matter if it was raining or snowing, he was ready to play. He loved food; eating it, cooking it, sharing it with others and everyone was crazy about his baked mac-n-cheese and bbq ribs. You never had to guess or question how Clay felt about you, he wore his feelings on his face and had no problem vocalizing them. He was the Grinch, absolutely did not like Christmas. Above everything, Clay adored his family. Time with his children and grandchildren made his world go round.

Clay had an entire army behind him that will forever miss him dearly. He leaves behind his father Charles Deems Sr.; wife and mother of his children Dokinda Deems; children Drucilla Martin, De’Airha Martin, Mahogany Martin, Charli Deems and Clay Deems all of Warren, OH; grand-children Rhy’Era Martin, Allen Williamson Jr., Aye’den Williamson-Martin, Jae’Slyn Cousins, Jairha Cousins, Jay’Son Cousins Jr., Marli Deems; sister Misty Rudolph; brothers Tom Rudolph and Seth (Kristen) Rudolph; nieces and nephews Promise, Deacon Rudolph, Dallas Black, Shalee Rudolph, Trinity Rudolph, Liam Black and Miguel Rudolph; Clays best friends James Nice, C.J. Roberts and Luke Shank.

He was predeceased by his mom Mary E. Rudolph, Pops William Thomas Rudolph, grandson Jaydin, nephew Zayvion, grandma Eleanore Deems, uncle Joe Rudolph Sr. and cousin Drew Fisher.

The game for Clay is over, but his legacy will live on so, when you throw a corn-hole bag, yell at your favorite football team, schedule a tee time or catch a huge fish, you’ll catch yourself thinking of Clay and remembering all the moments you had the pleasure of being with him and know that he is still right there with you, rooting you on from the bleachers in the sky.

A memorial service will be held for Clay on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 1pm-3pm at Crown Hill Burial Park Chapel and Mausoleum in Vienna, OH. The family requests that everyone wear their favorite sports attire to the service, Clay would have wanted to celebrate one last time. A time for gathering and food will be held at Clays house following the Memorial Service.

Professional and Caring Services were entrusted to Selby Funeral Home.