William Wallace Gay

William Wallace Gay, Captain, USN (Retired), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his beloved wife, sons, and sister-in-law, on March 6, 2017. He was 91 years old. Captain Gay (called ""Bill"") was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Gertrude Gay of Griggsville, IL, sister and her husband, Patricia Gay Diemer and Richard Diemer, and his first wife, Joan Cooil. He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Betty Harris Gay; two sons, William H. Gay and wife, Darlene Jessup; J. David Kay and wife, Staci; four grandchildren, Alex, Vivien, Christina and Sophia Kay; 3 nieces and 2 nephews and their families; two ""adopted godchildren"", Alice Powers and Linda Baigrie; and his wife's sister, Ann Harris Albin, fondly called ""Bill's third child."" Bill was born in Rockport, IL, at his Grandmother Haines' home on September 29, 1925. The family later moved to Griggsville, IL, where he graduated from Griggsville Community High School. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) during June 1943 as a member of the Class of 1947. He graduated with honors and was commissioned on June 5, 1946, as part of the last class in the WWII three-year program. After his first deployment aboard the light cruiser USS Pasadena, Bill was off to flight training in Pensacola and Corpus Christi. He was awarded his wings in August 1950. As a naval aviator, he flew some twenty different types of planes, both carrier- and shore-based, including fixed wing and jets. He served in numerous assignments involving the planning, development, and testing of naval and nuclear weapons, but he loved flying the most. Bill served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He retired from the Navy in 1975 after a long, satisfying and distinguished career.
In addition to graduating from the USNA, Bill attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, earned a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University while he was attending the Naval War College in Newport, RI. Following retirement from the Navy, Bill started a new adventure as the stay-at-home parent for his and Betty's two young sons, so that Betty could continue to pursue her career. His sons were indeed fortunate to have their dad so involved with them in their formative years. Bill was very active in coaching soccer and basketball youth sports. He served as trustee and fundraiser for his sons' school. He continued his active participation in local and regional citizen groups. He also enjoyed taking his sailboat out on the Chesapeake Bay. Bill and Betty lived in Silver Spring MD from 1969 until 2003, when they moved to be closer to the grandchildren, first in Richmond, VA, and since 2005, in Advance, NC. During the past ten years, as age took its toll, Bill was fortunately able to remain living in the comfort of his home due to the steadfast attention, care, and tenacious advocacy of his devoted wife, Betty, and the support of smart and caring health care professionals. The family will receive visitors from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel, 108 E. Kinderton Way, Advance, NC 27006. On-line condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. A memorial service will be held on August 7 at 1:30pm in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, located on the grounds of the USNA, Annapolis, MD, followed by Committal in the Naval Academy Columbarium. All are invited to join the family in fellowship at the Naval Academy Club following the services at the Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Bill's name may be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, and designated to either the Class of 1947 Museum Fund or the Naval Academy Annual Fund. Checks should be made to the ""U.S. Naval Academy Foundation"" and mailed to the Foundation at 291 Wood Road, Beach Hall, Annapolis, MD 21402-1254; memorial gifts may also be made on-line at www.wsna.com.

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