Clay Jones is the youngest son of Barry and Linda and the youngest brother of Casey and Corby. He was a fun-loving, gregarious honor student at Forney High School. He realized that there was more to a person than just a face or name - that there was a heart as well. Kind, generous, and unselfish, he was a natural leader among his peers, and he encouraged and welcomed new students to sit with him at the lunch table. As one person put it, "Clay was a people collector." He loved rock music, football, basketball, track and skiing. On August 29, 1995, the athletic 16-year-old sophomore was struck by lightning on the practice field behind Forney High School. As a result of his injuries, Clay passed away on September 2, 1995, and his organs were donated to save multiple lives. 

Within days, the City of Forney rallied around the Jones family and signs of love and prayers were everywhere. Linda Jones says it is the people of Forney which kept them in the same house where Clay was raised. And many of Clay’s classmates and friends were determined to keep Clay’s memory alive. With their help, Barry and Linda Jones, both educators, created the Clay Jones Legacy Foundation for their son that continues to impact people across the state and region. 

Nearly 30 years after Clay’s death, the Foundation is still going strong. The initial vision was to give a scholarship or two in Clay’s memory. Three scholarships were awarded in May 1996. Now they are helping over 20 graduates each year. The Foundation’s annual golf tournament, started in 2008, raises money to support scholarships, totaling more than $300,000 given to Forney ISD students.

The Clay Jones Memorial Relays, begun in 1994, is an annual event for area track teams to compete in Forney. For years, Clay’s story was shared as a part of Texas Driver’s Education courses, raising awareness of the importance of organ donation and encouraging new drivers “check that box” on their application, just like Clay did. High school football teams and most other sports organizations throughout Texas adopted new safety measures to protect players from inclement weather. 

In August 2024, Clay Jones Intermediate School opened. 5th and 6th grade students learn Clay’s story and are inspired to “live like 7.” Clay’s school is on the same property (but a different building) where he attended high school. It is also next to the newly renovated Jackrabbit Stadium where Clay played football and ran hurdles at track meets. It is also in Clay’s neighborhood, within walking distance of the Jones’ residence on Center Street. 

Clay was baptized on June 24, 1979 and then confirmed in 1995 at First Presbyterian Church of Forney, where his parents still attend. Back then, the church was located on Bois d’Arc Street (also in Clay’s neighborhood). Clay’s story continues to shape our church: reminding us to place our trust in God’s redemptive power to bring something good out of tragedy. 

Click here to read the excellent D Magazine article published Aug 8, 2018 and written by Susanna Hutcheson