J. Clay Hiatt of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died Monday, October 2, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 19, 1961, to Joe S. Hiatt and Margie Moore Hiatt. He was 62 years old. Clay was preceded in death by his parents.

Clay was a 1979 graduate of Charleston High School and attended the University of Arkansas attaining degrees in marketing and finance. Clay created many memories with family and friends, traveling, celebrating holidays and birthdays, many pool-side get togethers, and evening socializing at friends' houses. He was the person to turn to when anyone needed advice whether it was business, personal finances, health, or just wanting to talk. He was the type of friend who you might not see for a year, but would pick up the conversation as if you had seen each other last week. He enjoyed drawing house plans for family and friends and was always up for a landscaping project. Clay was known for his party planning, big or small, making sure the venue, theme, layout, food, drinks, flowers and invitations were just right. In recent years, he spent holidays teaching his niece, great-nieces and great-nephew how to cook.

He is survived by his partner of 36 years, Kenny Blaschke of the home; his brother, Sherman Hiatt; his sister, Misty Hiatt; his nieces, April Newhart, Wendy Lovett, and Katie Gage, all of Charleston, Arkansas; his great-nieces and great-nephew, Alexis Grandison of Conway, Arkansas, Avery Lovett and Anna Kate Lovett, Addison Newhart, and Mason Newhart, all of Charleston, Arkansas.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Joe S. and Margie L. Hiatt Family Foundation c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, Union Station, 5 Allied Drive, #51110, Little Rock, AR  72202 or online at www.arcf.org/hiatt . This is a fund that Clay and his siblings established for their parents and is Clay's fund of choice.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.