Originally, the LED Matrix Clock would be running on an Arduino Nano:
Hardware:
32x8 led matrix display, a DS3231 Rtc, an ESP-01 & adapter, and MicroSd adapter.
Software:
Arduino Nano OS, using AT-commands.

But, once I had the WiFi running on the Nano, I didn't have much ram left to do anything else!  
I had done a lot of research on the ESP8266 chip and it's adapter.    

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Im using the ESP8266 mounted on an ESP-01 adapter.  

Here is the ESP-01 and it's adapter.   The adapter takes care of all the ESP-01's needs, the only restriction is you can't reflash the ESP8266 with the Adapter.

Pinout of the ESP8266.

Schematic of the ESP-01 Adapter.

The Micro SD adapter.   The Micro SD will hold info like Time Zone, and display specifics.

The RTC (DS3231), the battery is on the backside.

Note that the three adapter boards all have their pins 90° and will have to have them replaced with straight pins in order to mount them.  

Here is the ESP-01 and it's adapter.   The adapter takes care of all the ESP-01's needs, the only restriction is you can't reflash the ESP8266 with the Adapter.

Pinout of the ESP8266.

Schematic of the ESP-01 Adapter.