James Luther J.L. Gay

James Luther "J.L." Gay age 91, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2015 at Starr Regional Medical Center in Etowah. He was the son of the late Floyd Gay and Annis Johnson Gay. He was of the Church of God faith. He was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and a proud decorated veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII in the 82nd Airborne. After his service to his country, he served his community in Law Enforcement. He worked with both Englewood and Etowah Police Departments and with the McMinn County Sheriff's Department. He worked as a used car dealer and was an all around story teller. He was an avid fisherman, farmer and loved spending time with family and friends, as well. In addition to his parents, J.L. was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Gay, one son Luther Ray Gay, and one grandson James Austin Gay. Also brothers Cecil, Paul, George, and Clyde Gay, and four sisters, Ruby Torbett, Lena Watson, Nannie Bell Nannery and Lillie Mae Gay. Survivors include one son Wayne Gay and wife Jana of Etowah; seven grandchildren, Scott (Eva) Gay of Etowah, Kelly Jamerson of Etowah, Justin (Amber) Gay of Etowah, Wendy (Jason) Giles of Madisonville, Tonya Johnson of Alcoa, Aaron Haggart of Etowah and Christopher Gay of Etowah. Also great grandchildren are Olivia Lawson, Andrew Gay, Kayla Young, Danielle Miller, Tia Giles, Nathan Gay, Blayne Gay, Anielia Pyzewski and Keylon, Connor, Kayden and Alexus; two great-great grandchildren, Paisley Young and Bradi Miller; brothers, Kenneth (Faye) Gay of Englewood and Roy (Ann) Gay of Englewood; sisters-in-law, Marie Gay of Englewood and Josie Gay; brothers-in-law , Reed Torbett and Ross Martin;special friends, Bill and Teresa Brakefield of London, KY, Scott and Jean Duckworth of Etowah and Robert "Tim" Whitaker of Etowah. Several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members also survive. Graveside services with Military Honors will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2015, at Love Cemetery with Brother Scott Duckworth officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Members and staffs of the Englewood Police Department, Etowah Police Department, and the McMinn County Sheriff's Department will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1-3p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family ask memorials be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Visit the Gay family guestbook and leave a message of comfort.