Obituary of Clayton William Fenwick

Clayton William Fenwick, 57, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Garvis and Delores Fenwick; his loving wife of 32 years, Meledy Fenwick; daughters, Malorie Gardner and husband, Tayler, Cayla Fenwick; brothers, Finnie Fenwick and wife, Nina, Jimmy Fenwick and wife, Candy; sister, Renee Karstedt and husband, Gordon; one grandson on the way; and a host of other family and dear friends.

Born in Houston in 1961, his family moved to Pearland, Texas, in 1973. Clay began firefighting in 1983 as a member of the Pearland Volunteer Fire Department, where he served until 1994. Prior to starting his professional career as a firefighter, he worked for a family office machine and supply company, Finnie Fenwick Office Machines.

Clay was a dedicated father to his two daughters and was overjoyed at the news that he was going to have a grandchild.  It had already been decided his grandfather name was going to be “Big Chief” and his grandson was going to be “Little Chief.” Family was extremely important to Clay and he made a point to always make them his priority. He enjoyed listening to music, grilling, watching movies, fishing, family vacations, photography and coin collecting. Clay loved animals and leaves behind his beloved dog of 13 years, Patches.

Clay began his professional career with the Sugar Land Fire Department in January 1991 and held the positions of firefighter, driver, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and most recently as Assistant Chief over Special Projects. He also served as Interim Fire Chief from September 2008 until April 2009. Over the years, he held certifications with the Texas Commission of Fire Protection as Firefighter Master, ARFF Advanced and Fire Service Instructor II. Clay also was a certified Emergency Medical Technician.   His education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science and an Associate’s degree in Fire Protection Technology.  Clay was also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.  He was appointed to numerous committees and a member of many professional organizations.

Clay battled prostate cancer for one and half years, always remained positive, and fought up until his last breath, surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers upon his passing. He was strong in his faith and an active member of First United Methodist Church in Pearland. He felt strongly about living by the philosophy that “Grace and Love win, not cancer.” Clay loved his family dearly and believed that serving his fellow man was of the utmost importance. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or at www.mdanderson.org/gifts. Funds may be designated for Prostate Cancer Research.

The visitation will be held Friday, September 20, 2019, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas, 77581. The Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, September 21, 2019, at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 2314 N. Grand Blvd., Pearland, Texas, 77581 with Rev. Barbara Fyffe officiating. Interment will follow at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland, Texas.  Immediately following interment will be a reception at First United Methodist Church of Pearland.