Wesley Clay Elliott Sr. went home to his reward on Friday, January 30, 2026. He passed peacefully at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., after a lengthy illness.
Clay was born on October 28, 1947, in Iredell County to Frank Elliott and Mildred Ostwalt Elliott. He attended Celeste Henkel High School and graduated from South Iredell High School. Clay proudly served in the U.S. Army and Navy, 1968-1969, in the Vietnam War as a patrol boat gunner.
Clay married the love of his life, Janet Byers, on September 20, 1968, in Valeo, Calif., while stationed there before going to Vietnam. They loved each other “more” for 57 years.
Clay had many interests, but painting was his passion. For many years he created amazing works of art. He was a self-taught artist. He could paint anything and loved creating. Clay taught art classes at Mitchell Community College Continuing Education in Statesville and Mooresville and private art classes at his studio in his home. Throughout his life, Clay displayed and sold his creations at craft shows and local antique shops. He had a true artist’s eye and could bring life to anything he envisioned. Painting was his creative therapy, and he continued until his last days at home with his dogs, Ninni and Velvet, by his side.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Janet Byers Elliott of Statesville; son, Wesley Clay (Wes) Elliott Jr. of Morganton; daughter, Tracy Cooper (Tommy) and granddaughter RueAnne Cooper of Statesville. He is also survived by his mother, Mildred Elliott; brothers Tony Elliott (Sandy Davidson) and Joel Elliott (Angie), all of Statesville; and many extended family and friends.
Clay was preceded in death by his father, Frank Elliott.
The family would like to thank all those who cared for Clay in the recent months, including caregivers RueAnne Cooper and Katherine Ramsuer. Special thanks to the Gordon Hospice House for their kindness, compassion, and love.
Services will be held on Friday, February 6, at Beulah Baptist Church, 1851 Old Mountain Road, Statesville, N.C. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. with interment to follow and Beulah Baptist Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Rev. Brian Burgess and Rev. Robert Garrett.
Serving as pallbearers Jessie Ostwalt, Bill Lamb, Jamie Bass, Ken Killian, Greg Murphy, Seth Ostwalt and Tony Moose.
Honorary pallbearers Ron Moss, Charlie Doss, Norman Miller, Fred Snowball, Brad Ostwalt and Vernon Stewart.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Gordon Hospice House of Statesville NC, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625.
Arrangements for Clay are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.