Charles David Lay

Charles David Lay, born to James Carlton Lay and Lois Bowden Lay (Cobb) on September 19, 1949, in Athens GA, passed from this life peacefully and surrounded by family to be with the Lord on July 6, 2026.

He was a native Athenian and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1972 with a degree in business. David married Katherine "Kitty" Mell on August 26, 1972. They began their life together in North Carolina where David worked in the management training program for JCPenney. They moved back to their hometown of Athens where David opened his own small businesses, Normal News and Tobacco and Georgetown News and Tobacco. He loved the people and area of Normaltown and made Normal News and Tobacco his career for almost 30 years.

David and Kitty have two sons, Rusty (wife Charlotte) and Chip (wife Joni) and six granddaughters: Vivi, Conner, Brigette, Ellie, Mary Wynn and Marjorie.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, his sister, Judy (husband David), their daughter, Leslie, his brother-in-law, Glenn, and his sons and their wives and his grandchildren, all who love him so much. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Laura Ackerley (Steve), Fran Hoard (Jason) and their families and his father-in-law, Carlton Mell.

The family deeply appreciates and loves all their wonderful friends who have provided support, love, care, food, prayers, and patience.

The family would like to thank all the sweet ladies from Angels in the Field and St. Mary’s Hospice for the loving care they provided for David and Kitty in his last weeks.

A service for David will be held in the Wingfield Chapel at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, GA on Saturday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of his life to follow in the Sexton’s House at the cemetery. Due to the heat and David’s preference, a relaxed and comfortable attire is encouraged.

If you would like to do anything in David’s memory, he asked that a donation be made to the Clute Barrow Nelson Foundation, 320 Milledge Heights, Athens, GA 30606, https://clutebarrownelson.org/

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.