Alvin was born on February 28, 1935, in Beech Bluff, Tennessee, to the late Thomas Truman Lay and Carrie Ethel McKinney Lay. He grew up in the Beech Bluff community and attended Beech Bluff schools.
For more than 40 years, Alvin was the owner and operator of Highland Cleaners, where he became a familiar face to generations of customers throughout the Jackson community. Following his retirement from the dry-cleaning business, Alvin began another chapter of service when he joined the staff of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home. There, he had the privilege of serving families with care and compassion during some of their most difficult days.
Alvin was also a devoted fan of Tennessee Volunteers football and always looked forward to Saturdays when the Vols were playing.
In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gayle Laverne Lay; his son-in-law, Phillip Jordan; and his siblings, Olivia Lay Newman, Truman Lay, Andrew Lay, and his twin brother, Calvin Lay.
He is survived by his children, Vickie Lay Jordan, Julie Lay Pechin (David), and David Lay and his wife, Elisabeth; his grandchildren, Blake Jordan (Beverly) and Carrie Cherry (Jon); his great-grandchildren, Jonah Lawson, Rhys Jordan, Lila Cherry, and Kye Cherry; and his sister, Marie Lay Harston.
A service to celebrate the life of Alvin Ray Lay will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, with Bro. Jerry Welch officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home.
