William M. Clay

William M. Clay, 91, Trailblazing Albany County Legislator and Community Leader

William M. Clay, a pioneering figure in Albany’s civic and political life, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the age of 91. Known affectionately as “Bill” or “Mr. Bill,” he leaves behind a legacy of public service, community advocacy, and barrier-breaking leadership that spanned more than five decades.

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1934, Bill moved to Albany at the age of 7 with his mother, settling in the Arbor Hill neighborhood. He graduated from Albany High School in 1955, one of only a few Black students in his class, and later pursued studies in business, financial administration, and labor relations at Empire State College and other local institutions.

Bill began his career in public service in 1964 as a Capitol Police Officer, becoming the first Black captain in the department’s history. He also served as the first Black statewide officer for the Council 82 law enforcement union, holding the position of treasurer.

In 1981, he was recruited by the New York State Office of General Services to help establish the state’s Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, which was later expanded to include women-owned businesses under Governor Mario Cuomo. Bill worked for OGS until his retirement in 1993, but returned in 2007 to serve as an assistant commissioner for six more years.

Bill’s political career began in 2003 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Albany County Legislature. He was elected in 2004 to represent a majority-white district, becoming the only Black member to do so, and served for over 20 years until his retirement in late 2024 due to health issues. During his tenure, he was a founding member and chair of the Albany County Legislative Black Caucus and the first Black chair of the county’s Industrial Development Agency and Chairman of the City of Albany’s Water Board.

A lifelong member of the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church, Bill served as a senior deacon for over 50 years and later as the director of facilities. He was also involved with the NAACP Albany Branch, 100 Black Men of the Capital Region, and the NYS Security Guard Advisory Council.

William was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Emma Jean Clay, in 2016. He is survived by his sons, Michael M. (Sandra) and Scott W. (Elizabeth); grandsons, Whitney M. and Bryce W.; great-grandsons, Carter and Jalen; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, at the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church, 105 Second St., Albany, NY. A public viewing will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Schenectady, NY.

The family would like to acknowledge all acts of kindness extended to them and special acknowledgment of the extraordinary care received in the Ann Lee ward at Shaker Place Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

The family will receive guests at 77 Aspen Circle, Albany New York starting Monday, June 9th.

Bill’s life and work stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and community service. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.