Jess Clay Chapman

Jess Clay Chapman, 63, of Ozona, Texas, died Wednesday, October 9, 2024, after a lengthy illness. 

Clay was born July 27, 1961, in Del Rio, Texas. He attended public schools in both Del Rio and Ozona. As a teenager, he spent many hours working in the stockyards, helping his uncles at the horse track, and riding bulls. Clay spent his entire professional career in the oilfield industry, specifically in a natural gas and oil processing plant. He enjoyed sports, from slowpitch softball to wild rounds of golf with his buddies. In time, he switched from active participation to watching college and professional sports. 

Clay’s family lovingly remember rare steaks off the grill, laughter at family dinners, the twinkle in his eye at large family gatherings, and “whooping and hollering” when a bull rider made it the full eight seconds. 

Clay is survived by his father, Wayne Murdock Matthews (Sammie); his wife Lou Chapman; step-daughter Leesa Marshall (Jerry), step-son Lynne Haire (Barbra); grandchildren Jadie, Julie, and Jenna Marshall, and Kristofer and Alexa Haire. He is also survived by his sister, Natalie Montalvo (Philip), sister Sheryl Vaughn (Michael), brother Craig Chapman, and sister Candace Carta (Ned); nieces Kizre Parks (Rick), Kindra Tutle (Chad), Kallie Montalvo, Allison Jolly (Beau), Amber Carta, and Ashley Carta. 

Clay was preceded in death by his mother, Carole Anne Chapman, his step-father, Joe B. Chapman, and his grandparents. 

A private family burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ozona is planned. 

Services arranged by Preddy Funeral Home.