James Frank Gay, Jr., age 90, of Orange Park, Florida passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Frank was born in Green Cove Springs, FL, served his country for 4 years in the US Air Force in Japan during the Korean War. Retired 43 years with AT&T/Bellsouth as an Operational Supervisor, 20 plus years with Florida Telco now 121 Financial Credit Union as a Board Member. He served 20 plus years with Helen's Haven Preschool and Child Care, a staple in Orange Park and was a dedicated and devoted member to Orange Park United Methodist Church and the Men's Group.
Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Always willing to listen to your stories and willing to tell his own story. He enjoyed life with all it's joys and challenges. Everyone knew him as the consummate fixer upper and above all.. he made you welcome in his home.
Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Helen M. Gay; 2 sons: James "Jim" (Jeffrey) F. Gay III and Scott (Erin) Gay; 3 daughters: Deborah (Robert) Brown, Catherine (David) Snowden and Melody (Paul) Riegel; sister, Linda Gay Bonner; 15 grandchildren: Jonathan Brown, Jeremy Brown, Kimberly Gill, Daniel Gay, Meghan Gay, Chelsea Arb, Chandler Gay, Ciara Keelan, Shannon Riegel, Spencer Riegel, Slater Riegel, Stüssy Riegel, Sammie Riegel, Lanie Jansheski and Lauren Jansheski; 14 great-grandchildren: Millie Brown, Anna Brown, Callie Brown, Catherine Brown, Mason Arb, Emerson Arb, Desmond Brown, Bliss Brown, Carter Gay, Kennedy Gay, Calvin Justice, Jerry Jansheski, Mason Arb and Emerson Arb; and a host of extended family and friends.
Family will receive friends on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 5-7 PM at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Funeral services will be held 10 AM, Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL. Burial will follow in Jacksonville Memory Gardens with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Franks' memory may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital -Cancer, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or www.stjude.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
