Clay Monroe Hobson of Yadkinville passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, at his residence. He was 86.

He was born May 5, 1924, in Yadkin County to the late Nellie Wooten and Vance Hobson.

He was a graduate of Boonville High School, a lifetime member of Union Grove Baptist Church where he served as Treasurer for 57 years and as deacon on numerous occasions, a member of Fall Creek Fire Department and a supporter and leader in 4-H.

Clay was a tobacco farmer for 25 years, dairy farmer for 26 years, and an employee for Leinbach Machinery for 18 years. He was N.C. farmer of the year in 1967 for the Yadkin Conservation District.

Mr. Hobson was preceded in death by his half-brother, John Henry Hutchens.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ethel Hobson; children, Dianne Hobson Brendle and husband David of Elkin, Felix Hobson and wife Patricia of Yadkinville, Kelly Hobson and wife Derinda of Aberdeen; grandchildren, Natalie Hobson of San Diego, Calif., Nathan Hobson of San Francisco, Calif., Julian Hobson of Las Angeles, Calif., Ledena and Collin Hobson of Aberdeen; brothers, Charlie C. Hobson and wife Doris, Paul Hobson, Junior Hobson and wife Connie, all of Yadkinville; and his sister Laura Louise Pardue of Rural Hall.

The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011, at Huff Funeral Home in East Bend. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, at Union Grove Baptist Church with the Reverend Kenny Gooden officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 2401 Nebo Road, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Online condolences may be made to www.hufffuneralhome.com.