Joseph Craig Kay

Joseph was born on January 23, 1949, in High Point, NC, to William Silas Kay Jr. and Anne Louise Meredith Kay. He was the brother of Rhonda Kay Burrow (Gary Burrow). His parents and sister both preceded him in death. Joseph graduated from Thomasville High School before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served honorably as a corpsman, traveling the world for eight years before retiring from service.

Joseph married Susan Katona Kay on February 19, 1981 in Santa Ana, CA, before relocating to Thomasville, NC, where they enjoyed 44 years of marriage. The two met while working at Fountain Valley Hospital, where Joseph persistently pursued Susan until she agreed to go out with him—his calves, in particular, won her over. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, their five children: Jonathan William Kay, Carrie-Ann Kay Tarolli (Bryce Tarolli), Aaron Joseph Kay, Christopher Thomas Kay, and Kathryn Kay Goldman (Matthew Goldman). He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Courtney Baldobino (Tyler Maynard), Makenzy Kay, Josephine Tarolli, Aubrie Kay, Brenner Tarolli, Ethan Kay, Lukas Kay, Alexis Kay, Skyler Kay, David Goldman, and Peter Goldman, as well as his great-grandchildren Gideon and Piper Maynard.

Joseph worked as a Radiology Technologist at Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center, where he retired at the age of 65. He had a deep love of music, enjoying all genres and playing several instruments. Joseph also had a passion for fishing at the beach, frying up the catch of the day, and was known for his impressive handyman skills. In his downtime, he enjoyed reading and watching horror movies. Joseph will also be remembered for his quick wit, love of card games, and his fondness for the movie Jaws. But most of all, he cherished the time spent with the babies he was blessed with.

A Celebration of Life will be announced soon and held at the family home in Thomasville, NC. Memorials in Joseph’s memory may be directed to the Hinkle Hospice House of Davidson County.