Hall of Fame Inductee - Bernard "Bernie" Clay

The 1950's will be most remembered for the dawning of Rock N'Roll. In Quincy, the 50's will be remembered for the exploits of one Bernard "Bernie" Clay. During his high school career, Clay earned 6 varsity letters in football, basketball and track. He was named as his team's Most Valuable Player for the1957 football season while leading the Devils to a record of 6-2-1. After gaining over 700 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns, his senior season Clay was placed on the All-Southern Coaching All-State Football Team and was Honorable Mention to the Sporting News All-American Team. Clay, who was sought after by many major universities, first attended the University of Illinois before later moving to the University of Nebraska where he was a starting halfback his junior year. After college Clay joined the U.S. Navy where he served a total of 24 years. An avid coach and youth enthusiast, Clay received numerous awards for his work as a youth coach and mentor. He's been associated with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Patient Advocate Office in Jackson, Mississippi for a number of years. Clay and his wife Edna are the parents of two daughters and the proud grandparents of six.