Gail Harley McQuay

Gail was born on September 27, 1945, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Frederick Lee Harley and Miome Constance Harley. She attended Queens College and from that time forward made Charlotte her home, dedicating her life to raising and caring for her family while being an active member of the community.

Family was Gail's life's work, and she embraced that calling with love, grace, and devotion. She made her house a home, a place where family gathered, memories were created, and love was always present. She was the heart of her family, a source of comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love. Her quiet strength, generous spirit, and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, and a lifetime of treasured memories.

Gail married the love of her life, Jesse Blackwelder McQuay, affectionately known as "Buck," on March 27, 1964, and was his devoted wife for more than 61 years. A proud mother of three, she spent countless hours cheering from the sidelines at tennis, softball, basketball, and football games. When she wasn't busy taking her children to practices and games, she enjoyed spending time with her friends on the golf course or relaxing with a glass of Chardonnay. Gail truly lived and loved life to the fullest.

An avid golfer, Gail was an active member of Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte and Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jesse Blackwelder McQuay; her three children, Missy M. O'Daniel (Scott), Shannon M. McCoy (James), and Scott W. McQuay (Lisa); seven grandchildren, Austin (Kylie), Blake, Devon (Ben), Spencer, Emily Anne, Jenna, and Grayson; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Lucy, and Parker; and her sister, Eileen Hartis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Harley Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at

www.donate.lung.org in loving memory of our Mother. It is our hope that these gifts will help many others.

Condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.