James Clayton Yanner (Clay) went to be with the Lord on June 3rd, 2026. He was 74 years young. He was a beloved father, partner, dog dad, brother, and friend. Clay had a passion for being out on the water, cranking the car for long road trips, college football, his beloved Dawgs, and being with the ones he loved. 

     Clay was born in Savannah, Georgia at Telfair Hospital on October 10th, 1951. He was born to James Frederick (Jimmy) Yanner and Sybil Hall. He was a Savannah native that was raised on the streets of downtown. He spent his life strong in faith. He was part of St. James Catholic Church, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and St. Michael’s parishes during his years living in Savannah.

     In his early life, Clay worked for the railroad until he found his true passion as a Boilermaker. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 26. During his boilermaker career, he found many amazing lifelong friends that developed into true brotherhood. Boilermaking gave him the opportunity to form his love of traveling, adventuring, and desire to stay on the go. He took great pride in his work. During his time living on Tybee Island, Clay took his love of the water to start a crabbing business in between his long boilermaker jobs.

     In his later life, Clay and his love, Jacyleen (Jaci) Feely, retired to Barefoot Bay in Sebatian, Florida. There they were active in camping, kayaking, and golf cart rides with his beloved dog, Ellie Mae.

     Clay is survived by his partner of 16 years, Jaci. He is additionally survived by his children James Fredrick Yanner, Angela Marie (Amy) Yanner, Amber Faye (Goose) Yanner, her husband Ross Andrews, Micky Martin, and his stepdaughters, Christina Bancroft and Safya Tork. As well as, his granddaughter Jaymesen Yanner and grandson Aiden Tork. He will forever be missed by his beloved and loyal dog, Ellie Mae.

     Clay is preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard (Rickey) Yanner. He is now in heaven with them.

    There will be a celebration of life planned on his birthday October 10th, 2026 on Tybee Island at the American Legion. The family will contact extended family and friends with more information. If you are unable to make it, the family asks that you watch the GA vs Bama game that day in his honor.

     In lieu of flowers, Clay would have loved to have people donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/