Billy Joe Lay

Billy Joe Lay of Eddy died early Sunday morning, August 15, 2010, at the age of 74. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 12, 2010, at Bruceville Community Church with Rev. Lee Casey and Rev. Ernest Ray officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Eddy Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at Cole Funeral Home, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor.

Mr. Lay was born March 18, 1936, in Eddy, Texas, the son of the late Jim Henry and Bessie Lucille (Standridge) Lay. He attended Bruceville-Eddy High School where he played football and ran track. He served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Navy in Memphis, Tennessee Naval Air Station from 1954 until his honorable discharge as a Seaman in 1958. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal. On December 13, 1974, he married Becky Kelley in Belton, Texas.

American Desk in Temple employed him as an engineer in the research development department. In 1997, he retired after thirty-nine years of service. The lifelong Eddy resident was a member of Bruceville Community Church. Throughout his life, he enjoyed being with his grandchildren, raising dogs, chickens, rabbits and various other animals.

Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Jimmy Lay, Harold Wayne Lay; two sisters, Doris Barron, Bessie Gregg; a brother-in-law, Gene Heath.

Survivors include, his wife of thirty-five years, Becky Lay; two sons, Mark Daniel Lay of China Spring, Michael John Lay of San Diego, California; three daughters, Holly Jo Osorio of Killeen, Lori Shaw of Belton, Christy Lynn Lay of Eddy; one sister, Glenda Heath of Houston; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.