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Clay James Pinter Obituary

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Clay James Pinter

Elyria, OH

October 30, 1958 - February 8, 2021

Clay James Pinter Obituary

Clay Pinter, 62, of Elyria, Ohio, passed away at home after a short illness on February 8, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Clay was born on October 30th, 1958 and was a 1977 Elyria High School Graduate. He attended Ohio University for a short time to study Geology. From 1982-1983, Clay attended Emery School of Aviation in Greeley, Colorado where he received his helicopter, commercial pilot and flight instructor licenses. He worked for Air Continental, Inc. as a charter pilot, airport manager and flight instructor at Huron County airport in the mid 80’s. In 1983 he married his wife of 37 years, Debbie Atkinson of North Ridgeville, and they had many fun adventures and enjoyed traveling together before having two beautiful daughters, Danielle and Dana, who were then included in the fun adventures and traveling. He and his business partner, Teresa Smith (Schneider), of North Ridgeville, started their own Air Freight Forwarding company, Airland Express, Inc. in 1994 and recently celebrated their 27th business year anniversary. Clay was a free and adventurous spirit and had many interests including: riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, traveling, flying, fishing, golfing, hunting, boating, skiing, camping, backyard sledding parties, bonfire parties and anything that sounded like a good time. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan/season ticket holder and truly believed every year they were going to the Super Bowl! He was an excellent swimmer, and was on the YMCA, Elyria Country Club and Ohio University swim teams. He was a member of the Elyria United Polish Club, Elyria Elks Club, Elyria AMVETS, West Branch Rifle and Pistol Club, AOPA and NRA. Clay leaves behind his beloved wife Debbie and dearly loved daughters Danielle and Dana; brother Peter (Patricia) Pinter of Boca Raton, Florida; brother Wade (Kitty) Pinter of Elyria and niece Camille/nephew Charlie; sister Rachel (John) Pappas of Mason, Ohio, and nephews Johnathan and Blake/niece Andrea Pappas; sister-in-law Cathy Rogers; brother-in-law Steve Atkinson and niece Lisa Atkinson, and many great friends (with a special shoutout to The Eastern Heights Gang!). He was preceded in death by his parents Rudolph (“Dugo”) and Grace (Schilling) Pinter and grandfather Theodore “Pete” Schilling and wife Betty Schilling. Due to Covid, a private family graveside memorial was held at Butternut Ridge cemetery. A Celebration of Clay’s Life will be held at a future date (and per Clay’s request it will be a bonfire at the river!). Debbie, Danielle and Dana thank everyone for their love and prayers, gifts of food and flowers and their support during his short illness. They would also like to thank the staff of the Hospice of the Western Reserve (especially Meghann and Jill) for their wonderful support. Arrangements were entrusted to the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elyria, 440-322-4626

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Clay James Pinter.