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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Roll of Honor

Assistant Chief
Age: 57
Year of Death: 2019

Clayton William Fenwick

Clayton William “Clay” Fenwick was born to Garvis and Delores Fenwick on December 22, 1961, in Houston, Texas. Clay was a big brother to Renee, Finnie, and Jimmy. His family moved from Houston to Pearland, Texas, in 1973. Clay graduated from Pearland High School in 1980 and attended Texas A&M University. After a year at A&M, he returned home and went to work in the family business. He joined the Pearland Volunteer Fire Department in 1983 and was a member through 1994. While working full-time at the family business, Clay followed his passion and enrolled in Houston Community College Fire Training, attending night and weekend classes. He was a proud 1990 graduate.

In January 1991, Clay began his professional career with the Sugar Land Fire Department, where he held the positions of firefighter, driver, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief. He served as interim fire chief from September 2008 to April 2009. Clay held an associate degree in fire protection technology and a bachelor’s degree in fire science. He was a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy, where he looked forward to attending various classes each year. He attended every seminar, conference, or learning opportunity he could attend. He firmly believed in education and encouraged fellow firefighters to continue their education and further their knowledge.

Clay was passionate about his career, but his utmost passion was his family. He married the love of his life, Meledy, in 1987 and was the proud father of Malorie and Cayla. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, friend, and soon-to-be first-time grandfather to his “Little Chief,” Slade Clayton Gardner, born on National First Responder’s Day, 10-28-2019. Clay always sacrificed his wants for others. He could be described as selfless, compassionate, loyal, dedicated, humble, perfectionist, a man of integrity, and having the memory of an elephant.

Clay was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer in March 2018. Throughout 18 months of rigorous treatment he always remained positive, never complaining. He was a “glass half full” person. Clay was a man of faith and would say, “Without hope and faith, you have nothing.” On September 13, 2019, Clayton William Fenwick, surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers, answered his last call and was called home to be with his Heavenly Father.

Clay, we were blessed with the gift of your love, loving you, and we’ll still be loving you!

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Cayla Fenwick
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  1. Wonderful family man who is truly missed!

    – Laura Austin
  2. Clay,
    We miss you every day and are so thankful you are our son. Although they were too short, we are thankful for the years we had with you and are very proud of everything you accomplished.
    — Mom and Dad

    – Delores Fenwick
  3. RIP my love, my life, my soul mate, my hero, my everything. I’m missing you every second of every single day!!

    – Meledy Fenwick
  4. Devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Respected by his fellow firefighters. Missed by all.

    – Charles Philipp
  5. Love you big brother. Miss you.

    – Renee Karstedt
  6. RIP Chief Fenwick! Although we had our differences we worked them out. Through your guidance and leadership, you have made me a better officer today.

    – Curtis LeGrotte
  7. Clay,

    You were a great father and husband who was gone way to early and I know you are missed dearly everyday. You would be so proud of your daughters and the women they have become. Malorie is such a wonderful mother to Lil Cheif and we are enjoying watching him grow from afar, he was and still is a blessing to them all. RIP Clay.

    – Ruth Duance & Family