Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of Stephen Maurice Laughlin and Terri Dukes. He graduated from Emerald High School and worked at Help Around the Home.

Surviving in addition to his father of Hodges and his mother of Greenwood are: his son, Dene Laughlin of the home; his brother, Jason (Amy Smith) Rodgers of Greenwood;  a nephew, Jace Rodgers; and his niece, Taelynn Rose Rodgers.

Clay was preceded in death by his wife; his half brother, Ben Hitt and a nephew, Blake Rodgers.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Messages of condolence may be made to the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com