Clay Carey

On June 19, 2025, Gene Clayton (Clay) Carey stepped from earth into heaven, where he was reunited with family and loved ones.

Born in New Addition to parents Francis U. “Corny” and Erma W. (Powers) Carey, he was a graduate of Brunswick High School. Gene spent his over 30-year Federal career with the General Services Administration and Department of Energy in Germantown, MD. He was a Sunday School teacher at the First Church of God in Brunswick for 37 years, and financial secretary starting in his 20’s until the church closed in 2018.

In younger days, he enjoyed acting and the theater, receiving critical acclaim for many roles in productions in Charles Town and Martinsburg, WV, Hagerstown, Brunswick, and Frederick, MD. His love of storytelling extended to his passion for classic cinema. He delighted in old films and often shared his appreciation for the Golden Age of Hollywood with those around him.

In more recent years, he volunteered at the Senior Center in Brunswick, assisting with Meals on Wheels and providing transportation to and from the Senior Center for seniors around town. He especially loved driving the seniors up and down the hills of Brunswick—not slowly! —in the Senior Center van, chuckling the entire time (and the seniors loved it).

One of his favorite pastimes was playing Bingo, mostly at the Eagles Club in Brunswick, but also in Lovettsville, VA, and Charles Town, WV.

Gene’s smile and joy was infectious. His love for family and friends was deeply felt by all who knew him. He looked forward to Christmas and gatherings with friends and family, making meals, giving gifts and showing a prowess and competitive spirit at board games and Wii. His special gift was that of hospitality. He always made sure guests felt welcome, comfortable, and fed if hungry.

Gene was predeceased by his parents and beloved sister, Erma Francis “Dolly” Eshbaugh.

He is survived by nephew Daren (Wanda) Eshbaugh, and their sons Konnor (Danielle, and great great grand niece Dolly), Barrett (Lydia) of Chambersburg, PA. Also nephew Eric (Sue) Eshbaugh, and children Evan (Michaela), Carey (Michael), Rachel (Daniel), and Elliot of Roanoke, VA. He and Anna “Ennie” Bondarenko met in 8th grade and thus began a life-long journey as best friends. As a result of this friendship, for over 60 years Gene was loved by and as much a part of the Bondarenko family as those who were born or married into it. His absence will be felt at every holiday, birthday, road trip and family gathering.

He will also be fondly remembered by his many friends from the Brunswick Senior Center, Eagles bingo, and friends from his years in community theater, who knew him as Clay.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 28, 2025, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1100 N. Maple Avenue, Brunswick, MD 21716. Family visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed immediately by his funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ernie Witmer officiating.

 Interment will take place at Brownsville Heights Cemetery.