Christian Allen Clay

Christian Clay, age 22, of Amarillo, left this life entirely too soon on May 9, 2023.

Public viewing will be on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia.  The family will receive guests that evening at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Hillside Christian Church West Campus.  Rev. Greg Corona and Rev. Josh Bullard will officiate.  A private family interment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Christian was born on September 18, 2000, in Amarillo to his parents, Wade Clay and Christina Coghill.  From the moment he could walk, Christian was a very active child!   He loved all sports and being outdoors. Not only did he like sports, he was good at them and very athletic.  He also was a very caring child; he was tender and understood the importance of being kind and lending a helping hand.  He loved to be close to those he loved, and throughout his entire life, he loved to snuggle up close and give great hugs.

On January 9, 2012, Christian’s life would be forever changed when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  He had to go from being a carefree, anything-goes-tough kid to a very strict and disciplined young man in order to manage his diabetes.  Christian faced his diagnosis and felt compelled to lead others by example.   He volunteered for the Diabetic Foundation of the High Plains, and he was a counselor for Camp New Day. He also was involved with Camp Sweeney in Dallas.  Christian was a mentor to many, showing others that they could lead a very fulfilling life with diabetes.

Christian was involved at Hillside Christian Church.  He volunteered to help older members of the church by assisting them in the parking lot, making it easier for them to gain access to the church.  He also was involved in the Panhandle Community Prayer Breakfast.  Throughout high school, he continued to play football for Caprock. In 2019, his senior year, the team was district champions and made it to the state playoffs.  He went on to attend Amarillo College and had plans to attend Tech in the future.   Christian never lost his love for the outdoors and continued fishing, hiking, and cherishing time spent in the mountains. Despite the difficulties associated with Type 1 diabetes, Christian never lost his sweet spirit.  He had a servant’s heart throughout his life and strived to treat everyone around him lovingly.  Even in death, Christian’s life and legacy will continue as he gave the gift of life to others through organ donation.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul Clay and Buddy Stoner, and by a grandmother, Sami Coghill.

Christian is survived by his mother, Christina Coghill; his father, Wade Clay, both of Amarillo; his son, Cole Alexander Clay; his grandparents, Jimmy Coghill, Cindy Gamblin, Reg Gamblin, and Glenda Clay; by his great grandmother, Belle Gage; by his faithful canine hiking companion Ribeye; and by Cookie his older cuddle mutt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the memorials be made in Christian’s memory to The Diabetes Foundation of the High Plains, https://www.dfhp.org/give-now or to TOADS (Type One Area Diabetic Support) facebook.com/FCFTOADS