Floyd “Premo” Clay was born on September 2, 1930, in Madison, IL, to Clarence Sr. and Minnie (Key) Clay. He attended elementary through high school in Madison, graduating in 1948. A proud Army veteran, he served in Korea and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

On November 21, 1959, he married Katherine “Kay” Kokotovich, who survives him. Also surviving are two daughters, Elizabeth (Ken) Nussbaumer and Christina (George) Taylor. He was “Grampsi” to grandchildren Whitney (Andrew) Lawson, Courtney (Brad) Bahr, Cameron (Emily) Taylor, and Lana Nussbaumer; and great-grandchildren Gage Lawson, Lylah Bahr, Emma Bahr, Hallie Bahr, and Brooks Taylor. Numerous nieces and nephews also mourn his passing.

Premo was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Edna “Tootsie” Williams, Mary “Tiny” Kissell, and Barbara “Snookie” Hargrove; and brother Clarence “Buddy” Clay, Jr.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a member of the Theta Xi fraternity, Premo dedicated 33 years to teaching in the Granite City School District. For all but one of those years, he taught 6th grade at Logan/Prather Schools, where he became known for his annual class plays and for challenging students to recite poetry and speeches. Tackling the Gettysburg Address or Gunga Din, with passion, could earn you a better grade. He retired in 1993.

An avid reader of all subjects, with a particular love for history books and spy novels, Premo also expressed himself through poetry, and you knew you were special if he wrote one about you. Golfing with friends was also a favorite pastime, especially when his grandson joined him on the course. He could often be found working on the daily crosswords, and he never minded when visitors lent a hand. A semi-gourmet cook, especially with baking bread, he happily shared his creations—often accompanied by Kay’s homemade jam.

Music was another lifelong passion. Having learned to play the guitar in high school, he became the leader of a make-up band with numerous friends and depending on who was in town, a fiddle, tuba, banjo, washboard, washtub, drums, spoons or other various instruments would join his guitar group. Everyone who heard them left happy.

A longtime member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Granite City, IL, and a lifelong member of the Elks, Premo will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and the many lives he touched.

Memorial donations may be given in the form of masses to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Donations will be accepted at the funeral home and church.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Granite City, IL.

In celebration of his life, a funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, with Father Alfred Tumwesigye officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.