**Title:** Silicon Valley Pioneer Roy Clay Sr. Dies at 95

A pioneer in the technology industry and influential force in Silicon Valley, Roy Clay Sr. passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. Known for his groundbreaking contributions and breaking racial barriers, Clay leaves behind a significant legacy spanning nearly five decades in tech.

Living in Oakland, California, Clay had been experiencing declining health before his death, which was confirmed by family members. The hall-of-fame technologist was instrumental in developing the personal computer and played a pivotal role at Hewlett-Packard (HP). Revered as the “godfather of Silicon Valley,” his efforts in recruiting diverse talent from historically Black colleges and universities forever changed the industry.

"Roy should be remembered as a leading early figure who put Silicon Valley on the map," said longtime tech executive Ken Coleman in comments to USA TODAY. "He was a technical genius and an amazingly kind and generous human being—a great example of both a professional businessman and a committed citizen and neighbor."

Born on August 22, 1929, in Missouri, Clay overcame a modest upbringing in the Jim Crow South. He valued education from a young age, inspired by his mother's encouragement. Clay's father, who worked in building maintenance, taught himself to install electricity, enabling young Roy to study by candlelight before electricity was available in their home.

Clay graduated in mathematics from St. Louis University, becoming one of the first Black Americans to do so from a predominantly white institution in a former slave state. Despite facing early rejection due to racial prejudice, he eventually secured a job as a computer programmer for McDonnell Aircraft Manufacturing in 1956.

In 1958, Clay moved to California, joining Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to work on tracking software for nuclear explosion aftermaths. His determination to see computers become smaller, faster, and more affordable led him to HP, where he spearheaded the development of their first computer, the HP 2116A, in 1965. Clay’s innovative streak also led to the introduction of flexible work schedules at HP, a practice that would become part of the company's culture.

Enrique Lores, CEO of HP, described Clay as "a longtime tech innovator and community champion," acknowledging his numerous contributions to the tech industry. Clay later founded ROD-L Electronics, a company specializing in electrical safety test equipment, making it one of the few Black-owned tech companies in Silicon Valley.

In addition to his contributions to technology, Clay also broke new ground in local politics. In 1973, he was elected the first Black American to the Palo Alto City Council and later served as vice mayor. Despite facing racism, he remained resolute, inspired by figures like Jackie Robinson.

Roy Clay Sr. is survived by his sons Roy Jr., Rodney, and Chris Clay; daughter-in-law Iris Clay; grandchildren Connor and Cameron Clay; and sister Myrtle Bridges. His legacy includes a lifelong commitment to supporting disadvantaged youth. The family requests donations in his memory to Fostering Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating homelessness among youth formerly in foster care.