J. Thomas "Tommy" Gay

Jimmie Thomas “Tommy” Gay, 85, passed away peacefully the morning of, Wednesday, November 27, 2014. He was born June 9, 1929 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a proud graduate of the Landon HS Class of 1948 and captain of his football team. He attended the University of Florida. He joined the U.S. Army in 1951 where he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Korean War.

Tommy married the love of his life Shirley Francis Williams on June 9, 1956. Their first date was to a Gator game. In 1957 he began what would be recognized as a very successful career in the insurance industry. Together with long time business partner Tom Petway, he built one of Jacksonville’s most respected general agencies, Gay and Petway Insurance Agency. He had a long history of giving back to the city he loved, through his involvement in numerous civic organizations. He was past President of the Quarterback Club and past President of the Independent Insurance Agents. He was the first Chairman of the Tournament Players championship when it was moved to Jacksonville in 1977. He has cherished being a life long member of the Distinguished Company of Past Chairmen of the Players, affectionately called the Red Coats. In 1979, he served as President of the Gator Bowl and enjoyed staying involved with this great organization for many years as a part of the selection committee. He and his wife Shirley were proud Episcopalians having been members of All Saints Episcopal Church and Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.

Tommy was preceded in death by his adoring wife of 53 years Shirley, mother Elizabeth Ann Strickland Gay, his father Floyd Meares, his step-father Wilber Ray Gay Sr., his daughter Catherine Lynn Gay, brother Cecil Devon Meares, and brother Joseph Calvin Gay. He is survived by his loving children: son Kevin Thomas Gay and daughter Julie Gay Vontz, son-in-law Kenneth R. Vontz, grandchildren Kaley Catherine Vontz and Zachary Thomas Vontz and brother Wilber Ray Gay Jr,. along with many other adoring family members who will miss him dearly. He was a loving husband, incredible father and grandfather, a friend you could always depend on and a life long die-hard Gator fan.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7500 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 with the Reverend Mal Jopling officiating.

In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to Operation New Hope, 1830 North Main Street, Jacksonville Florida 32206, a non-profit organization that he and his wife Shirley helped launch in 1999.

Words of comfort can be left at www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, is serving the family.