Leslie Wayne Gay
(June 23, 2009)
Leslie Wayne Gay of Tellico
Plains, passed away suddenly Tuesday, June 23, near his home in the Basin Creek
Community. He was a retired concrete finisher, a job at which he made many
friends and acquaintances over the years. He was joined in death by his beloved
grandson and sidekick, Joshua Ownby. Wayne was a much loved member of the
community. He was well known for his gruff and grouchy exterior but everyone
knew he was really just a softie underneath. He would help anyone he could as
was demonstrated by the way he died. He selflessly gave his life trying to save
one of his grandchildren. The two of them were quite a pair in life, so maybe
it is fitting they passed on together. They have probably already started a
little cabin somewhere over in a wooded corner of Heaven. Wayne loved children.
He loved to pick on them and they loved to pick on him in return. He loved
animals and would have fed every stray if it had been in his power. He loved to
get in his truck or little Tracker and just ride the roads. He was a very
familiar sight riding around here and there, no particular destination in mind,
just to ride. The roads of Monroe and Polk counties will be much dustier, now
that he has passed.
He was 67.
Preceded in death by: father,
James Gay; brother, Edward Gay; and great-niece, Brandi Cathey.
Survivors include: wife of 47
years-Betty Gay;
Daughter-Lora Gay;
Sons-Tracy Gay and Michael
Gourley, all of Tellico Plains;
Grandchildren-Felicia Gay,
Jacob Ownby and Chase Gourley;
Mother-Mamie Sue Gay of
Tellico Plains;
Sister-June West;
Brothers and
sisters-in-law-Kenneth and Edna Gay and Ray and Shirley Gay, all of Tellico
Plains;
Nieces-Lisa Newman and
husband, Brian, Stephanie Kelley and husband, Royce and Patrice Gay;
Nephews-John Gay and wife,
Jessica, J.R. Gay and wife, Karen and Wes Gay and wife, Kathy;
Several great-nieces and
great-nephews.
Funeral services will be 2
p.m., Saturday, at Towee Baptist Church in Reliance, with Rev. Larry Walker and
Rev. Larry Bryant officiating. Interment will be in Witt Cemetery. Family will
receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home.
Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Tellico Plains, in charge of arrangements.
