of Searcy, AR
June 13, 1929 - June 19, 2019
Gilbert Richard Lay, 90, of Searcy, died Wednesday, June 19th, 2019. He was born June 13, 1929 in Gonzales, Texas to Burdette Albert Lay and Margaret Ruth (Loescher) Spahn.
After graduating in 1953 from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Gilbert began an honorable 29-year U.S. Army career which included overseas duties in Iceland, Vietnam, and Korea, as well as assignments throughout the United States. He retired as a Colonel after completing his last assignment at the Pentagon in 1976. He then built a home in Heber Springs, where he was active in the community and church, and had his own realty and appraisal business. After moving to Searcy in 2000, Gilbert served as an elder at Cloverdale Church of Christ and enjoyed volunteering at the hospital. He was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Rick Young Post 7514 in Quitman and the American Legion Garner Brothers Post 91 in Beebe. Gilbert lived his life with faithfulness and joy and was dearly loved by his friends and family.
Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife of 57 years, Marjorie Lay. He is survived by two daughters, Melissa Mangini of Searcy, Laura Hoffmann (Jim) of Searcy, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, other relatives and dear friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday, June 25th, with visitation at 10:00 am and funeral to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens.
Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy
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7 Condolence(s)
Kathy Kelley
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Missy And Laura, So sorry for your loss but I know your Dad will live in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I know he and you Mom will watch over you.
Love, Kathy Kelley
Connie and Kenny Joy
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Melissa. May you find strength and peace today and every day.
Connie and Kenny Joy
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Melissa. May you find strength and peace today and every day.
Anna & Everett Smith
Monday, June 24, 2019
Melissa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. Even though we didn't know your father, it appears he had a wonderful long life and as a Christian, you know where he will spend eternity.
Anna & Everett Smith
The American Legion/Auxiliary Family
Larry & Carolyn Eubanks
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Our prayers are many during such a time of great loss. Gil was a true blessing to know. What special memories of him and Marge that are so precious to us. May God hold you in his arms for all the days to come and bring sweet memories to fill those days ahead.
Carol Kizer
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Bill and Mable Pierce send their love and prayers to Gil's family. They are already missing their friend dearly. They miss their times spent with the Lays. In loving memories. Carol Pierce Kizer for Bill and Mable Pierce
R. Gale and JoyceKoening
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Gil was man of integrity in all of his leadership roles. He was a man of God who earned the respect of many. We worked together at the 5th & Spring Church of Christ in the 1980's-and first part of the 1990's. We appreciate the time we shared in the ministry and all of us looked up to Gil's leadership qualities. He and Marge were dear friends and we are so glad we walked part of this journey together. We will be together again.
God bless and be with the family. They all are carrying many wonderful memories to share in the days ahead.