Aaron Thomas Lay

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Collier-Butler Funeral Home for Aaron Thomas Lay, 86, of Gadsden, Ala. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery in Coats Bend. The Rev. Jeff Sauls will officiate. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.Mr. Lay was born and raised in the Gadsden area (Coats Bend) and lived in Chicago, Ill., most of his adult life. He retired from Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill., and returned to Gadsden. He was of the Baptist Faith. Mr. Lay served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.He was preceded in death by his parents, Vadie and Margie Lay; and a brother, James Roy Lay.He is survived by his sisters, Jewel Couch and Irene Gargus of Gadsden; daughter, Allison (Kelly) Kent of Hanover Park, Ill.; grandchildren, Taylor, Christina and Sammy Kent, all of Hanover Park, Ill.; special niece, Elaine (Don) Clement of Gadsden; host of nieces and nephews; close friend, J.C. Hammett Jr. Pallbearers will be family and friends.Special thanks to the staff of Gadsden Regional Hospital and Nolen Long-term Center in Anniston.Visitation will be from noon until the time of service Thursday at the funeral home.