William Alvin Gay passed away Monday, August 4, 2014, at his farm in Edray, of complications of wounds sustained November 30, 1967, while serving in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was medically retired as a First Lieutenant in the USMC. Born October 5, 1940, at Edray, he was a son of the late Robert S. Gay and Mabel Ruth Duncan. Bill never considered himself disabled. He was a lifelong golfer and adapted his game when he lost the use of his left hand. He farmed, and was a retired agent with State Farm Insurance. He faced life's hurdles with fierce determination. In the tradition of the Scots-Irish, he was “born fighting.” He was a member of the Marlinton United Methodist Church, VFW and National Association of State Farm Agents, and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Marlinton Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Winter Gay; children, Todd P. Gay, and wife, Kristie, of Camp Pendleton, California, Matthew J. Gay, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Kathryn G. Flood, and husband, Greggrey, of Holden Beach, North Carolina; a grandson, Elijah Garrett Flood; a brother, Benjamin D. Gay, of Princeton; and a sister, Nancy N. Steele, of Ft. Myers, Florida. Funeral service was August 9 at the Marlinton United Methodist Church with Rev. David Merryman officiating. Interment was in the Edray Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. Online condolences may be made at www.Lantzfuneralhome.com
