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2004 Business Hall of Fame Laureate

Lyell B. Clay

Mr. Clay was a graduate of Lawrenceville School in 1942 and Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. In 1944. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending the University of Virginia Law School, graduating in 1948. He joined the firm of Spilman, Thomas & Battle in Charleston. Mr. Clay received a MJ.A. degree from Marshall University in 1956 and a MBA from West Virginia University in 1975. Inc 1967 he completed the 51st Advance Management Program at Harvard University.

In 1951 Mr. Clay was appointed City Solicitor (City Attorney) for the City of Charleston at age 27, and served in that capacity until 1956 when he joined the Charleston Daily Mail. The “Mail” formed a joint operation with the morning newspaper, The Charleston Gazette, and after the newspaper become profitable, Clay Communications, Inc. was formed. Clay Communications eventually expanded to four TV stations in three states and four newspapers in West Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Clay also acquired two radio stations in Charlottesville, VA.

When Clay Communications was sold in 1987, Lyell and his brother, Buckner Clay, established the Clay Foundation, Inc. The brothers served as Co-Chairmen. The mission of the Clay Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Greater Kanawha Valley. It has supported many local projects since its formation, such as the renovation of the YWCA, improvements at the YMCA, support for various educational and artistic endeavors, and present involvement in the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia, Inc.

Mr. Clay has given back to the community through his services in various civic organizations:

• Rotary Club of Charleston
• West Virginia Press Association
• Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce
• Director of American Newspaper Publishers Association
• Director of West Virginia Symphony
• Trustee, University of Charleston

Mr. Clay has received many honorary degrees and awards, including:

• 1987 doctors of Letter, University of Charleston
• 1993 Doctor of Laws, West Virginia Graduate College
• 1995 Doctor of Music, Marshall University
• 1992 West Virginian of the Year – Charleston Gazette Mail
• 1993 YMCA Spirit of the Valley Award
• 1996 Buckskin Council BSA Good Scout Award
• 1996 Marshall University Business College Hall of Fame Award
• 1996 Kellogg Award, Williams College

Mr. Clay was married to the late Patricia Kennedy Clay and has four children.