Mrs. Margie F. Gay

Margie was a natural leader whose outgoing presence and positive attitude allowed her to take control of any situation with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with playing the role of the problem solver. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, she was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Her parents were Trudie Alfred (T.A.) & Ruth Fulmer. Margie was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama. She was optimistic in her outlook on life. Armed with a great wit and determined attitude, she soon left home and moved to Panama City Beach. There, she pursued her career with the phone company and met her future husband, Dave. They married September 3, 1964 at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Beach, FL. She was raised with four siblings: an older brother, Glen, and three sisters, Kathy, Gail, and Joyce.

Margie charmed others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. She always put others ahead of herself, willing to sacrifice whenever the situation called for it. Her generous heart and loyalty made her a devoted wife and a mother like no other. Blessed with a balanced attitude, she could relate to anyone, and her engaging personality meant she never met a stranger. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred, but she wasn't shy to speak her mind, particularly if she or someone she cared for had been wronged.

Margie was blessed with two children, son Robert and daughter Michele. Very much like a kid herself, Margie identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities and encouraged their interests. She always said there was nothing you couldn't do if you put your mind to it - an attitude that allowed her later to fight her own battles.

Margie had a way of finding and drawing out the best in those around her. Persuasive and quick to make decisions, her strengths included being able to think on her feet. She was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others to get a task completed. She enjoyed new challenges, evidenced in her pursuit of college courses in her 60s. She was employed for 34 years by South Central Bell, initially as an operator and later as an accounting rep.

Margie enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes: working in the yard, gardening, and spending time on the beach. Anyone who knew her knows how much she enjoyed a beautiful day outside. She also loved to cook. She was known for her ribs, but she was an unrivaled baker. She always had sweets around the house - be it fudge, cookies, or a sock-it-to-me cake. Her favorite time of year was Christmas. That's when she got to highlight her exceptional talent and share it with others - as she loved to do.

Margie was the kind of person who could win others over easily. She relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others - kind of a sixth sense. She always had a story to tell and always wanted to know how you were doing. If she had a theme song, it might be “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it.

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Margie F. Gay, of Antioch, TN, went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 26, 2010, after a long and courageous battle. She is now free of all sickness, pain, and suffering.

She is survived by her loving and caring husband of 46 years, Dave Gay, son Robert Ball of Nashville, TN, and daughter Michele (Ron) Busen of Nashville, TN. Sisters: Joyce (Robert) Lenning, Bessemer, AL; Gail (Kenneth) Cornelius, Gadsden, AL; and Kathy (Ronald) Lankford, Gadsden, AL; Brother: Glen (Barbara) Fulmer, Buhl, AL, a host of nieces and nephews, and a special aunt, Jane Carmichael of Alexander City, AL. She was preceded in death by her parents, T.A. and Ruth Fulmer of Gadsden, AL.

Margie served nearly 34 years with South Central Bell and most recently was employed by Macy’s at Hickory Hollow Mall in Nashville. She was a conscientious worker and could accomplish most anything. She was an avid gardener, wonderful cook, a lover of the beach, and a beautiful and talented woman who always put others before herself. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend and took great pleasure in helping others. She will be forever missed, and life will not be the same without her.

Services will be held 2 pm Friday, July 30,2010, at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home in Nashville, TN. The family will receive friends 6 pm until 8 pm Thursday, July 29, 2010. Donations may be made to the American Lung Assoc. Flowers are also welcome. A tribute website has been established at www.mem.com.

“I have not died; I am not gone. From Heaven above, my love lives on.”