Clay O. Taylor passed away quietly at home the evening of September 20th, 2022. He fought a brief but courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. His final life milestone was celebrating his 80th birthday.

Clay was honored to be a 3rd generation native born son of Jackson Hole. Clay was born September 16th, 1942 and was the youngest of Ralph Taylor and June Seaton Taylor's three children. Clay had an older brother Donald and an older sister Helen, she died shortly after birth. At a very young age Ralph Taylor passed and June remarried Joe Madden who took on the responsibility of raising Clay and Don.

Clay grew up playing at the base of Snow King Mountain with his lifelong friends Henry and Byron Tomingas.  He learned the value of friendship and hard work at an early age.  By the time he was 8 he was helping with his family's horse concession in town and their hunting camp up Flat Creek.  He attended school in Jackson Hole and later went to a vocational trade school in Kansas City, Missouri.

Clay was known as an accomplished horse trainer and trick rider. His parents were involved in running a nightly show on the Jackson Town Square, the Jackson Hole Shootout. In 1960 Clay started as an extra in the show then later becoming the main villain known as "Killer Clay".

In 1963 Clay met Bonnie Volsic and she stole his heart. They got married November 1st, 1963.  Soon after they started their family having three girls Sherry, Keri and Terri. In 1982 they adopted Julie and her son Douglas into the family as their fourth daughter and grandson.

Clay and Bonnie started a family excavation and timber business in the early 1970's that they ran together until Bonnies passing in 2012. Clay continued the family business with his daughter Terri until he finally closed the business and retired in 2019.

Clay was proud of his heritage and was a lifelong resident of Jackson Hole while enjoying his life to the fullest. From Rodeos and pack trips to tinkering on heavy equipment and woodwork Clay never had idle hands or mind.  Clay's most valued possession in life was the many amazing friends that he had made along the way.

Clay had a strong faith in God and was a member of the LDS Church 1st ward in Jackson.

Clay is survived by his daughters Sherry Joppa (Chunk), Keri Bills (Kurt), Terri Sellers and Julie Wilson (Damon).  Grandchildren Bryan Murphy, Shawn Murphy, Evan Murphy, Alisha Murphy, Kristin Wood (James), Mindy Bills, Monique Johnson (Corey), Kaysha Sellers and Kyle Wilson. Great Grandchildren Kayin Moats, Jack Moats, Taylor Moats, Rylie Murphy, Fischer Wood, Madilyn Wood, Tanner McMillin, Bree McMillin, Makenzie McMillin, Wyatt Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Rylie Sellers, Kaycen Kolsen and Westyn Kolsen along with several nieces and nephews.

Clay is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and June Taylor, stepfather's Joe Madden and Arno Bald, brother Donald Taylor, sister Helen Taylor, son in law Vince Sellers, grandson's Douglas Lawson and Cody Sellers.

Please join the family in celebrating Clay's legendary life on October 15th from 2 PM until 5 PM at 15 East Snow King Avenue in Jackson Wyoming.