William Eric “Billy” Clady was born September 23, 1950, in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents Jacob and Elmelia Clady. He was the ninth in the family of eleven children. His family relocated to San Diego in 1957. As an infant, Billy was dedicated to the Lord at St. Paul Baptist Church in Memphis and as a young boy at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in San Diego. In 1981, he joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church and rededicated his life.
Billy’s formal education includes Douglas (Memphis, TN) and Hornet Elementary Schools. He joined the Boy Scouts of America and he regularly earned his merit badges as a Cub Scout. As one of his hobbies, Billy and his friends collected and traded treasured baseball cards. He dreamed of having a trading card with his image and stats. He played in the Little League Program, from Pony to Major at Southcrest Park, Chollas Lake, and National City. He chased that dream into his adulthood. Billy played at San Diego City College and on organized city-league teams throughout Los Angeles. Billy had the courage to try out for the Los Angeles and Oakland athletics. He coached at the Sunshine Field and regularly attended his grandchildren’s games. They made him proud. He and his son often attended Padre games at Petco Park.
As a teen, Billy attended Gompers Junior High School and worked summers with his father and brothers learning the family trade, carpentry. In 1967, he moved to Oakland, CA, with his eldest brother to work and attend high school. At Castlemont High, he was named most valuable player (MVP) as a defensive back in football. However, Billy completed high school at Lincoln High School (class of ‘68). He wanted that coveted “Letterman’s” jacket from his neighborhood school. That prized leather jacket sported two letters, one from Castlemont and the other from Lincoln. Billy was a “Hornet for life!” Upon graduation, Billy attended San Diego City College. Once again, he followed his big brother Jake to Los Angeles to work. This move allowed him to pursue professional baseball as well. He also worked as a carpenter, butcher, and retail manager.
While living in Los Angeles, Billy met Jacqueline Garrett and they were married in 1971. Two children were born to this union, a son named Dante and a daughter named Shawnte. Billy had two other daughters that he loved and cherished, Crystal and T’Erica. Billy was the first to tell you how imperfect he was. However, he was never to be tested about his loyalty to his children and his family. He was always ready to protect the ones he loved. His sense of humor was always on display. He delighted in entertaining his numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family with his off-colored comments and edgy stories. Billy was the uncle who saw the funny in everything.
Billy passed on July 25, 2023.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jackie, and his siblings; Blondale, Jake, and Herschel.
Billy is survived by his son Dante, daughters; Shawnte Daniels (Ayo), Crystal, T’Erica, and bonus daughter Danielle, ten grandchildren; Dante Jr., Marcell, Teyana, Shemia, Damonte, Darnell, William Lil Billy, Charlena, Raymond, and Elisaeh, great-granddaughter Kaelyn, siblings; Dorothy Laverne, Charlotte, June, Marshall, Marvin, Jadene (Stanley) and Cathy, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
