John R. (Pete) Gay, age 87, took his final flight home on June 24th, 2022. He was born on January 2nd, 1935, to John Lee and Loudell Walker Gay. He attended Vincent High School and Auburn University. God, Family, and Country were the cornerstones on which he lived his life. He and his wife Sara served several churches in the Birmingham area spanning more than 50 years. While he served in various roles in his local churches, including being a deacon, the role he enjoyed most was leading worship while his wife Sara accompanied him on the piano. Spreading the gospel through music was an instrumental part of their ministry, and they enjoyed drawing inspiration for this ministry by following Bill and Gloria Gaither and other Southern Gospel quartets. Pete enjoyed his music ministry so much that he continued it up to his last year, by organizing and leading a Sunday hymn singing while residing at Covenant Place Assisted Living in Gardendale. Pete could always be found at the ball parks, dance recitals, band concerts, and on the golf course, coaching and supporting his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. One of his greatest joys was watching as his grandkids and great grandkids caught bluegill or bass from the pond on his family land in Sterrett, AL. Pete served his country as a member of the Alabama Army National Guard for over 30 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a pilot and member of the 20th Special Forces. He also served as Commander of American Legion Post 195 in Sterrett, and secured funding for a community park and senior citizen center in Sterrett and Vandiver, respectively. As a member of the Center Point Civitan’s club, he could always be found presiding over the BBQ pits for the annual events. Pete was preceded in death by his loving wife Sara Blackerby Gay, and a son, Steven Gay. He is survived by his daughter Missy Fitts (Don), sons Rick Gay (Penny), Ronnie Gay (Bonnie), and Mike Gay (Christy); grandchildren Jeremy Logan, Brett Logan, Brad Fitts, Lorie Givens, Courtney Gay, Morgan Gay, Lauren Gay, Lyndsey Gay, Kayla Dykes, Jake Gay, Whitney Gay, and Katie Banks Barrett; and 17 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Kilgroe Funeral Home Leeds Chapel, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Forest Crest Cemetery.
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