Mr. John Earl Gay of Benton, LA went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 17, 2026. An Air Force veteran, John was born on January 20, 1942 in Griffin, GA. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and Papaw! He was a member of Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, and a dedicated attendee of Dan Turner/Rick Slaton’s Sunday School Class.
In the Air Force, John was an Air Policeman at the now closed Bossier Base. While stationed there in 1962, he met and married the love of his life, Gladys Mare Cain. Upon leaving the Air Force, he worked as a machinist at Western Electric/AT&T. He retired from there in 2000.
In retirement, he enjoyed reading Louis Lamour novels, watching old John Wayne movies, and fishing on Cypress Lake. He loved woodworking and often made furniture and toys for his grandkids.
He was an avid sportsman throughout his life who loved the outdoors and was always ready to go hunting and fishing. Every November you could always find him in the deer stand!
John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gladys Marie Gay, and his son Scott (wife Coleen). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katelyn Clark (husband Keaton), Hannah White (husband Nathan), PFC Jacob Gay US Army, and his great-grandson Wylder White with another great grandbaby on the way!
He is preceded in death by his parents J.T. and Rhunett, his brother J.L. Gay, his daughter Stephanie Beaird, and son-in-law Wesley Beaird.
John was a quiet and gentle soul that will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, on Thursday August 20, 2026 from 5-9pm. Funeral Services at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Friday August 21, 2026 at 11am. A graveside service is to follow.
