Philip Jay McClure

New Middletown - Philip Jay McClure, of Windsor Estate, formerly of Struthers, died Sunday afternoon, April 9, 2017 at Masternick Memorial with his family at his side.

Jay was born January 10, 1925 in Struthers, a son of James and Lattie Ross McClure.

Raised in Struthers, Jay was a graduate of Struthers High School, Class of 1942. After graduation, Jay, as well as his three brothers, enlisted in the United States Arm Forces to serve in World War II. Jay and his twin brother, William Ray, served in the United States Army, in the same unit, Artillery Unit 125 Anti Aircraft Battalion and served in the European Theatre and the Battle of the Bulge. After being honorably discharged, Jay served in the Army Reserves and then transferred to the National Guard where he retired in 1980 after 31 years of service.

A United States Postal carrier, Jay later served as a clerk, and retired as supervisor in 1985 from the Struthers branch after 39 years of service.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #158 where he was past Commander and a member of its' bowling league. For over 50 years he participated and later was in charge of placing the flags at the Veteran's plot at Lake Park Cemetery for Memorial Day. He was also a member of the Struthers VFW Post #3538, Western Star Lodge F&AM # 21 and a 32nd Degree Mason of the Youngstown Scottish Rite. He also served on the Struthers Board of Health for 10 years. Jay enjoyed singing and participated in quartets throughout his life and was a member of the Scottish Rite Chorus and the Lucia at the 1st Covenant Church.

He was a member of the Poland Village Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. He was a former member of the former Fairview Emanuel Baptist Church.

Jay enjoyed spending his time with his family especially his grandchildren, having taught all of them to fish and pick strawberries in the Spring.

Jay's wife, the former Viola Mae Williams, whom he married April 29, 1949 died July 6, 2008. He leaves one daughter, Lynn Deye and husband Charles of Cincinnati; one son, Larry McClure and wife Linda of Struthers; four grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) McClure, Beth Anne McClure, Daniel (Tracy) McClure and Stephen (Jean) Patek; and two great-grandsons, Zachary and Oliver McClure.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jay was preceded in death by his twin brother, William Ray McClure; and brothers, Edwin R McClure and James H. McClure, who was killed during the war.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. at the Poland Village Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Ethridge officiating. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boardman.

Friends will be received today from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers, and Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at church.

Contributions may be made to the Poland Village Baptist Church, 79 Hill Drive, Poland, OH 44514.

Jay's family would like to thank the staff at Windsor Estate for the wonderful and loving care they provided to him.