of Conway, AR
February 17, 1938 - September 12, 2021
Gerald Max Lay, 83, of Conway, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in Conway, Arkansas. Mr. Lay was born Thursday, February 17, 1938 to the late Dewey and Minnie Lee Lay in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas.
Max played basketball for Arkansas Tech University and late Lyon College. He later served our country in the United States Army for two years. Max worked for American Airlines for over thirty years as a ground crew member and later in the freight house. He later became a born again Christian and was a sponsor for Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. Max was known for his generosity and loved helping raise money for St. Jude's Children Hospital. He loved attending the horse races in Oaklawn, visiting casinos, and antique cars especially his 1964 step side Chevrolet pick-up. He was also an avid Arkansas Razorback Fan.
Left to cherish his memory are his son; Jim Lay (Crystal) of Justin, Texas, step-son; Tim Ragland (Leslie) of Conway, Arkansas, step-daughters; Michelle O'Neill of Conway, Arkansas, Tamra Alexander of Conway, Arkansas, eleven grandchildren; Brodie Lay, Ayden Burciaga, Ashley Echols, Austin Duncan, Addison O'Neill, Justin Cockrum, Keli Cockrum, Sarah Craven, Abigail Dycus, David Ragland, Jesse Ragland, nine great-grandchildren; Hunter, Haeleah, Hannah, Everly, Emma, Lyla, Robert Clell, Lillian, and Gracie. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, especially Donna Walker and Danielle Smith who helped care for him.
Mr. Lay is preceded in death by his parents, his loving life; Robbie Lay, two brothers; Tony Lay, John Lay, one sister; Mary Walker.
Funeral Services for Mr. Lay will be Friday, September 17, 2021 at 10 A.M. in the chapel at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will follow at Heffington Cemetery in Enola, Arkansas.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
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22 Condolence(s)
Dennis Campbell
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Wow. I'm sorry I didn't understand we lost you both.
Dennis Campbell
Monday, May 16, 2022
I love you max and Robbie. You quit answering your phone so I didn't know what was up. I wish I would have looked you up becasue I wanted you to know the miracles happened Max. And I couldn't have done it without you. You painted me a perfect trail in just the right way for me to finally put it together. I know what you mean when you said you had probably gambled with mom and dad before because you were lindred spirits. You knew I was too you sneaky bastard. I'll see you again, my friend, and we'll gamble like ten sumbitches. I love you. Robbie you know how to find me if you need anything
Williams Family
Monday, January 31, 2022
Rest in peace
Phyllis Kennedy
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Jim, I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Tiffany Johnston (Styles)
Saturday, September 18, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of Max’s passing. I have many memories of him watching us play ball back in the day. Hugs and prayers to the family 💙💙
Donald & Shirley Swoda
Friday, September 17, 2021
I loved being with Max and Robbie they were always such a loving couple I'm thankful neither one had to know the pain of being left alone. Jim and Donna my prayers for you both Max loves you both and was very proud of you.
Rickey Young
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Rest In Peace my dear friend!!!
Joey Terry
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Max, it’s never easy saying good-bye and knowing you and Aunt Robbie isn’t here anymore hurts me to a great deal and I will miss being there for you and her as much as I was. Heaven just gained two special people dear to my heart. Max, you will be deeply loved and missed.
Barbara Pence
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Always kind and helpful, always with a smile. One of the good guys.
Rex Saddler
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I am sorry to hear that Max passed away. He was quiet a guy. I enjoyed the times when I was around him. I know he was a great basketball talent in his younger days and I bet that everyone that played against him got to experience his tenacity on the court. I remember at the Vilonia high school games that his son Jim played in Max would get so emotional with every move that Jim made, it was like he was playing the game alongside Jim and by the way Jim was a great player as well! Fun to watch Max as he definitely was a super competitor and winner. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend. God bless the Lay family.
Tammy Flim
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Ward Penny
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Jim so sorry to hear this. Many thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Lori Schultz
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Jim, family and cherished friends,
Sending hugs and wishing comfort and peace in the days ahead, and all the loving memories held in your heart. I know we will see him again. Love you so much. XO
~ Sis
Sandra Rehagen
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
James, so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Ray York
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Praying for you and family.
Jason Freyaldenhoven
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Rest In Peace max and god bless.
Carl Newman
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Condolences to the Lay family
Eddie Harwell
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
I will miss you my life long Buddy!
Becky Lay Mincey
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones, Max. Oh how you must be rejoicing right now. I’m so glad you don’t have to endure anymore of the horrible things going on in this world, today. I enjoyed getting to know you, when I worked with U.S.Customs Broker, out in the air cargo buildings, at the airport in Little Rock, and especially all those wonderful bear hugs you would give me. It was great talking about the “Lay’s†and Mt. Vernon and basketball.
Your distant cousin,
Becky Lay Mincey
(Daughter of Elwood and Irma Lee (Bradke) Lay)
Donna Walker
Monday, September 13, 2021
Uncle Max, I'm going to miss you terribly. It has been an honor to help you as good as I could, for as long as I could. I am so glad that Me and Danielle were with you when you went to heaven yesterday. You were finally free from this cruel world and all the things you endured. Robbie loved you more than life itself. Rest In Peace and I will see you on the other side. Love, Your Neice, Donna
John D. Bailey
Monday, September 13, 2021
I graduated at Enola the same year that Max graduated at Mt Vernon. We played basketball against each other several times; He was better than me. We ran around some socially together. I passed on a scholarship offer from Ark Tech and entered the Air Force. I had no further contact with Max. If "could-a-should-a", it's possible that Max and I could have played together at Tech. Max was a good guy, I liked him. So glad to know that he accepted Christ as his savior. My condolences to his family.
Leonard C Coker
Monday, September 13, 2021
Always a friend through out the years was proud to have known him.