Billy Joe Gay

Mr. Billy Joe Gay, age 85 of Sparta, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in May and Smith Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Wrightsville. Reverend Hugh Baxter will officiate. Pallbearers will be Lee Gay, Krystal Newberry, Clayton Jones, Tyler Boyette, Landon Windgate, and Lee Braizel. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Mr. Gay was born in Irwinville, the son of the late Joel Gay, and the late Eunice Braizel Gay. He was a track supervisor with Norfolk-Southern. Mr. Gay was a talented woodworker and built beautiful swings and picnic tables. He was also a great cook and enjoyed fishing. Mr. Gay never met a stranger and was always willing to give people second chances. He was very kind and would do all he could to help someone else. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Wynell York Brantley; son, Anthony Gay; sisters, Florence Marie Taylor, and Doris Smith.

Mr. Gay is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Youngblood of Cedar Bluff, Alabama; son, Lee Gay of Sparta; brother, Johnny Gay and his wife Sharon of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; nephew Allen Cowart of Sparta; great niece, Krystal Newberry; great nephew, Clayton Jones; great-great niece, Tara Newberry; and great-great nephew, Tyler Boyette.

Condolences may be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.