Ira Claborn Rogers, a beloved and respected resident of Galveston, Texas, passed away at his home on July 11, 2026. Born on December 10, 1955, in Beaumont, Texas, he was the younger of two children in a close-knit and loving family. The values he absorbed in his early years-family, friendship, and hard work-became the cornerstones of a life lived with purpose and dedication.
Clay graduated from Forest Park High School in 1974 and then went on to obtain a degree in accounting at Louisiana State University. After establishing himself as a Certified Public Accountant, he furthered his education, earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1990 from the University of Houston Law Center. He went on to build a distinguished career as a corporate attorney in Houston, practicing for over 30 years.
It was in Houston that Clay met his beloved husband, Fred Huddleston. Together, they made a life in Galveston, where they were active pillars of the community, both at First Lutheran Church of Galveston as well as the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF). Clay’s commitment to preserving history was evident through his volunteer work at GHF, where he most recently served as president.
Clay lived his life with integrity and purpose, whether in his relationships with family and friends or through his professional work. Those who knew him remember him as a true gentleman-a man of character, generosity, and warmth, with a spirit that was as kind as it was humorous.
He is survived by his sister, Linda Harris, and her husband, Charles Harris, of Dallas; his cousin, Patrick Bobbitt, and his husband, André Vifian, of Switzerland; as well as many cherished friends like Greg Grant and Ajay Puthli, his god son, Charlie Frye, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his devoted husband of many years, Fred Huddleston.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
In Memoriam