Carson, Henry Clay
Henry Clay Carson, 94, of Radford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. Born June 13, 1931, in Buchanan, Virginia, Clay was the son of the late Hirst Carson and Mary Aiken Carson.
Clay was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Whilden Carson; his twin brother, Stull Carson; his sister, Mary Hirst Lammey; his nephew, Johnny Carson; and his granddaughter, Brooke Carson.
A proud graduate of Buchanan High School and Virginia Tech, Clay remained a devoted Hokie throughout his life. He especially cherished the family legacy that his grandfather played on the very first Virginia Tech football team.
Clay served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving two years in Alaska. Following his military duty, he built a distinguished 30‑year career with General Motors in New England, where he managed service and parts operations with dedication and integrity.
An avid golfer, Clay was known for his smooth swing, competitive spirit, and remarkable achievement of eight holes‑in‑one. He proudly maintained a 10 handicap and later fulfilled his dream of living on a golf course after retiring to New Bern, North Carolina, with his wife Jean. There, he enjoyed playing six days a week and embraced every moment of the game he loved. Later, Clay and Jean moved to Herons Landing, in Radford, VA, permanently.
Clay was a member of Grove United Methodist Church in Radford. He was also a dedicated member of the Masonic VA May Lodge #38 and the Shriner Acca Temple Lodge #40, organizations that reflected his commitment to fellowship and service.
In his final act of generosity, Clay donated his brain to scientific research to support ongoing studies of dementia, offering hope and knowledge to future generations.
Clay is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Jean Flippo Carson; his children, Tom Carson (Cathy) of Pellham, NH; Ron Carson (Susan) of Lowell, MA; Jeff Carson (Debbie) of Richmond, VA; and Terry Deshler (Mickey) of Lowell, MA. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and thirteen great‑grandchildren. Also, two very special nephews and two nieces who held a meaningful place in his life.
He is also survived by Jean’s children, Dana DeHart (Jed), Mark Williams (Vicki), and Scott Williams; five grandchildren; three great‑grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Christie at Lewis Gale Hospital and the Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness, and support provided during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Masonic services will be held at 7 pm.
Funeral services will be at 11 am on Thursday, June 11, at Grove United Methodist Church with Dr. Rev. Jan Angle officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to either Grove UMC, 1020 Tyler Avenue, Radford, VA 24141 or to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
The Carson family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia.
www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.
