Kenneth Ray Gay Sr.

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Kenneth “Sonnie” was born November 1932, predeceased by parents Broward and Ada Gay of Tampa, his wife, of 45 years, Ruth E. Gay (Semmelroth), Sister Daisy Gay and brother Norman B. Gay. He is survived by his wife Reba Gay (Miller) of Alabama, his 3 children, Kenneth Gay, Jr., David M. Gay and Dena M. Gay. He also is survived by 4 grandchildren Amber Yankey (Caleb), Michael Gay (Christina), Sebastian Gay and Deanna Gay; 2 great grandchildren Aiden Yankey, Emily Gay and Yankey twins on the way. He is blessed with extended family of his second wife, children of Reba, Ronnie and Diane Tucker (Crystal and Clinton Lee), Tracy Tucker (Morgan and Brandon Shore) along with 2 more great grandchildren Tucker and Angelica Lee, all of Georgia.

Kenneth was a veteran of the Korean War and continued service in Florida Army National Guard, retiring after 25 years. He dedicated his life to his family starting with his mother Ada, whom he dearly treasured, his father Broward, his 3 brothers, 4 sisters and then with his wife Ruth and their 3 children. After the death of Ruth, God brought his wife, Reba, her children and friends into the remaining 13 years of his life.

An ambitious man always moving forward, improving himself and caring for his family. He was a fisherman, farmer, an apprentice butcher in his teen years, mechanic working both at Lykes Brothers and Borden Dairy and a refrigeration a/c Supervisor @ TGH and Shriners Hospital of Tampa. He started a family side-line a/c and appliance repair business in the early 70s and then followed his passion of building and maintaining several rental properties for 38 years.

Kenneth was led by his faith and commitment in many different ways, whereby he served as a Shriner of the Masonic Lodge, Charter Member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and singing and performing his guitar, at Reba's side in Brandon area nursing homes.

A family service was held at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon officiated by Rev. Michael McCormack. Interment was at the family plot, Hillsboro Memorial Cemetery Brandon, FL. The family's legacy continues through support of the Ruth Gay Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund, USF Acct #27-0002