John Richard "Johny" Gay Jr., known to all as Johny, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly April 9, 2022, at North Florida Regional Hospital. He was 69 years old. He was a simple man who appreciated the simple things in life, and he appreciated the game of golf a little more than most other things. He had the best sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. He was a momma's boy, and she often (maybe jokingly - or maybe not) reminded everyone (including her other children) he was her favorite. He was the most handsome young man and he married the prettiest young lady, and they were married for 48 years. He worked hard all of his life and was just starting to really enjoy retirement.

Moments before he passed away he asked his ER care team to tell his family he loved them and that everything would be okay - he didn't worry much, and he didn't want others to worry either - that's just one of the many hallmarks of Johny Gay. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his father John R. Gay Sr. and his mother Venice Aaron Gay.

Johny is also survived by his wife Deborah Oglesby Gay; his children  Olivia (Brent) Reynolds, J.R. Gay, Jonathan Gay, and Kimberly (B.J.) Southers, he was a wonderful PaPa to 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; he has  2 sisters,, Shirley Gay of Savannah and Janice Gay (Emory III) of Athens; a sister-in-law, Jan Snooks of Swainsboro a brother, Charlie Gay (Barbara) of Garfield, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 11:00 am Friday at Hebron Cemetery in Garfield with Rev. Louis J. Medaris officiating.

Pallbearers will be Landon Johnson, Speer Gay, Timmy Woods, Jason Burke, David Snooks, and Rodney Mills.