William Jan Gay

William Jan Gay passed away January 12, 2023 at Brightview Woodburn in Annandale, Virginia. He was born April 27, 1938 in Johnston County, N.C. to Connie Barriott Gay and Hazel Ann Pleasant Gay. He graduated from the Stuveysant School in Warrenton, Va. and Bullis Prep in Bethesda, Md. He attended Duke University and graduated from American University and Washington College of Law of the American University in Washington, D.C. in 1962. He practiced law with Jesse, Phillips, Kendrick and Aylor in Springfield, Va. In 1966, he joined the staff of WGAY Radio Station and Connie B. Gay Enterprises. In 1967-68, he was an advance man for Hubert Humphrey's presidential campaign. In 1969, he joined a communications law firm and was instrumental in filing one of the first licenses for microwave transmission from the FCC. In 1970, he was President of a biological company. In 1971, he joined the American Insurance Association as a lobbyist. In 1974, he joined the FCC as an attorney and was Assistant Chief of the Audio Services Division in the Media Bureau, FCC when he retired in 1993. In 1993, he moved to Tampa Florida. In 2010, due to failing health, he returned to Northern Virginia to be near family. He lived at Chesterbrook Residences in Falls Church, Va. for 5 years and Brightview Woodburn for 7 years. You rarely ever saw Jan without a book in his hand. He loved sports, was a die-hard Redskins Fan for 60 years. Jan loved music, particularly rhythm and blues, rock, and of course, country. He most loved the beach -- all beaches: Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, and Florida. He was a fitness fanatic and worked out daily until age 77. He loved convertibles: his 1956 baby blue Cadillac, 65 White Oldsmobile Cutlass, and 1999 silver Chevrolet Camaro. He loved his family. His main interests were politics and history. He read crime novels and science fiction. His marriages to Bonnie Lewis Gay, Norma Gay and Bonnie J. Gay all ended in divorce. He had one child with Bonnie Lewis Gay. He left a daughter, Heather L. Gay of Arlington, Va, and four granddaughters: Zoe L. Sorensen of Seattle, Washington, Gaia Rose Sorensen of Richmond, Va., Jana F. Gay and Christa F. Gay of Arlington, Va. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m. at National Cemetery, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Va. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation @thebrf.org.