Clay Neil Dent

Clay Neil Dent age 90 of Runaway Bay, Texas, died June 21, 2026. He was born August 17, 1935, in Alicia, AR to Dolph and Ella Mae Dent. He grew up and graduated high school in Hoxie, AR. 

Clay entered the Air Force in 1955 as an Air Control Specialist. He moved from the Air Force to the Federal Aviation Administration in 1960 as an Air Traffic Controller. He worked in many capacities and multiple locations, including the training facility in Oklahoma City, before retiring as a Supervisor at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in 1985. Clay married Carolyn Ruth Orr on November 15, 1957, in the Chapel at Tinker Air Force Base. He is the father of 3 daughters - Deborah Hopton-Jones (Ted), Robin Licari (Carl), and Toni Becker (Charlie). He is the Papa of 5 grandsons, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. 

Clay was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers and sisters, grandson Joshua Wade Petrie, and great-great-grandson River Daniel Knowles.

Those left behind to cherish his memory, wife Carolyn Dent of 67 years, daughters, Debbie Hopton-Jones and husband Ted, Robin Licari and husband Carl, Toni Becker and husband Charlie. Grandchildren Candee Petrie Sparks and husband Clay, Bryce Neil Rose and wife Amanda, Brock Alan Rose and wife Tamar, Garrett Hopton-Jones, Chase Becker and wife Bonnie. Great-grandchildren, Halee Knowles and husband Luke, Samee Petrie, Joshua “Lil’” Petrie, Conner Rose, Justin Rose, Rebekah Rose, Camila Rose, Casey Becker. Great-Great-granddaughter Magnolia Ruth Knowles. 

After retiring from the FAA, Clay was Mayor of Runaway Bay from 1986 to 1994. In addition, he was involved in forming the Runaway Bay Economic Development Corporation and Greater Runaway Bay Alliance.

He also decided he wanted to get into the home building business and built many homes in Runaway Bay including Clay and Carolyn’s home they have lived in for 41 years.

One of Clay’s favorite hobbies was traveling, they loved traveling both in the United States and abroad. He learned to sail, scuba dive, zip lined through Costa Rican rain forest, and simply enjoyed the people and culture of the places they traveled.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com