Bill Clay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Clay
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Official portrait, c. 1980s
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 1st district |
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| In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Frank M. Karsten |
| Succeeded by | Lacy Clay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Lacy Clay
April 30, 1931 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | July 16, 2025 (aged 94) Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Carol Ann Johnson
(m. 1953; died 2025) |
| Children | 3, including Lacy |
| Education | Saint Louis University (BS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953-1955 |
William Lacy Clay Sr. (born April 30, 1931 – died July 16, 2025) was an important American politician from Missouri. He served in the United States House of Representatives for 32 years. This is a part of the U.S. government where elected officials make laws for the country. He represented an area of St. Louis called Missouri's 1st congressional district. Mr. Clay was a member of the Democratic Party. He also helped start the Congressional Black Caucus, a group of African American members of Congress.
Contents
Who Was William Lacy Clay Sr.?
Early Life and Education
William Lacy Clay Sr. was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 30, 1931. His parents were Luella S. (Hyatt) and Irving Charles Clay. He went to Saint Louis University and graduated in 1953. After college, Mr. Clay served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.
A Champion for Civil Rights
Before becoming a national politician, Mr. Clay worked in his hometown. He was a St. Louis alderman from 1959 to 1964. An alderman is like a city council member who helps make local laws. He was a strong advocate for equal rights. Mr. Clay participated in important civil rights demonstrations in 1963. He worked to make sure all people were treated fairly. He also worked for city employee unions.
Family Life
William Clay married Carol Ann Johnson in 1953. They had three children together. One of their children is Lacy Clay, who also became a politician. Carol Clay passed away on February 16, 2025. William Clay Sr. died a few months later, on July 16, 2025, at the age of 94.
His Time in Congress
Representing Missouri
Mr. Clay was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1968. He served the people of Missouri for over three decades. He worked hard to improve life for his community.
Key Issues He Supported
During his time in Congress, Mr. Clay supported many important causes. He was a strong voice for environmentalism, which means protecting our planet. He also cared deeply about workers' rights and fair treatment for employees. Mr. Clay was a champion for social justice, working to ensure fairness and equality for everyone. He voted for the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. This law helps workers take time off for family or medical reasons without losing their jobs.
Leading a Committee
From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Clay led an important group in Congress. He was the chairman of the House Committee on the Post Office and Civil Service. This committee dealt with issues related to postal services and government employees. In 2000, he decided to retire from Congress. His son, Lacy Clay, was then elected to take his place.
Lasting Legacy and Honors
Recognizing His Contributions
William L. Clay Sr. received many honors for his work. In 1996, a special center was named after him. It was called the William L. Clay Center for Molecular Electronics. Today, it is known as the Center for Nanoscience. It is located at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
Helping Students Succeed
Mr. Clay also started a special fund to help students. It is called the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund. This fund gives college scholarships to high school students. These students live in Missouri's First Congressional District. The fund has been helping students since 1985.
A Bridge Named in His Honor
On October 7, 2013, a bridge was renamed to honor him. The Poplar Street Bridge connects St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. It is now called the Congressman William L. Clay Bridge.
St. Louis Walk of Fame
William L. Clay also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. This is a special place that honors famous people from St. Louis.
Books by William L. Clay
William L. Clay wrote several books. These books shared his thoughts and experiences. He wrote about important historical events and his political journey.
- Just Permanent Interests: Black Americans in Congress, 1870–1991 (1992) ISBN: 1-56743-000-7
- Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grass Roots (2004) ISBN: 1-883982-52-9
- The Jefferson Bank Confrontation (2008) ISBN: 0-944514-34-0
See Also
