R Clayton Huckaby, 75 passed away Saturday December 7, 2024. He was born June 10, 1949, in Redlands California to Ann Louise (Adamo) Huckaby and Tommy Edward Huckaby. He married his wife Catherine Ann (Mayfield) Huckaby on January 19,1991, in Pomona, California, and later sealed as eternal companions in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, California, Los Angeles Temple, May 7, 1994.

Clayton (Clay) and his sister Patricia Ann (Huckaby) Spitler were raised in the Colton, Redlands area of California. His parents were highly regarded members of the community, his father the President the local Savings & Loan, his mother President of the Women's Club. Clay attended Colton High School were he was active in music and theater. He formed a band and enjoyed entertaining crowds in various venues throughout his high school years. He played guitar and was vocally gifted.

Clay is a veteran of the Vietnam Era. Upon graduating high school he enlisted in the Armed Services, wherein he served proudly in the United States Army (6/30/67 - 2/2/79). He completed several tours of duty in Vietnam, was injured while on active duty and later declared 100% disabled status by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He graduated top in his class in the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Clay was known to say he was not a fan of "peace time army" which he equated to being assigned a desk job as an army recruiter that motivated him into early retirement. Following his military career, he briefly worked at the Riverside Savings & Loan. To augment his income, he would play guitar and sing at local establishments, where he met a friend who told him about a Correctional Agency that was accepting applications. Clay then began his career as a Peace Officer with the California Youth Authority ,a.k.a. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) July 1981, assigned to the Heman G. Stark Youth Correctional Facility (a.k.a YTS). He promoted to the rank of Sergeant, served as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, was assigned as the Community Liaison and Consultant for the Institutions and Camp Branch of the Department. He wrote the institutions Multi-Hazard Plan and other Safety & Security procedures, organized Population Management Workshops, and conducted internal affairs investigations. Clay received the Governors California State Employee Safety Award and was nominated for International Correctional Supervisor of the Year in 1990. He retired from CDCR, March 1996 and was then hired by the Department of Homeland Security. Upon moving to New Harmony, Utah he was appointed as Chairperson of the New Harmony Valley Special Service District Fire Board. Never one to remain idle he received a certificate of Paralegal Studies, became a licensed Private Investigator in the State of California and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of San Bernardino.

Clay was blessed with four sons, each talented in their own rights. He enjoyed seeing them grow into good men, husbands, and fathers. Father and sons enjoyed shared interests such as movies, music, gaming, computers and family. He was beyond thrilled when he finally got "his girls." His Daughters-In-Laws are the, "daughters of his heart." He was honored they called him dad. His joy increased when grand children and great grand children arrived on the scene. To them he was, "Grandpa Meatball." A reference to his proud Italian heritage and love for all things Italian. To his wife, he was her handsome warrior, her protector, her guy, her everything. Clay loved his sweetheart and would tell young men,"if you love your lady and want a happy life always put her needs first..." and he did.

Clay is survived by his wife Cathye Huckaby, New Harmony, Utah; Sons: Eric Huckaby (Kristen), Germany; Jeff Huckaby (Missy), California; Jared Huckaby, England; Clark Huckaby (Stephanie), California. Grandsons Jody Correa (Cece), Blake Huckaby, Carter Huckaby. Granddaughters Kashmir (Huckaby) Rentz (Mike); Kyra Huckaby; Jade Huckaby, 4 great grandsons and 3 great granddaughters, sister Patricia (Huckaby) Spitler (Sam) beloved nieces and nephews and those sons, daughters, brothers and sisters of his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents Ann and Ed Huckaby.

Funeral services will be Monday December 16, 2024, at 12:00pm, Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St George, Utah. Viewing Service will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024, 4:00pm - 6:00pm; Monday December 16, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am. Interment will take place in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George Utah.

Family and friends who cannot attend the funeral service in person are invited to join the online live-stream at the following link: https://venues.vimeo.com/1687358976843?lang=en-US

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah (435) 673-2454. Friends and Family are invited to sign Clayton's online guest book at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com

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