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.