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Alex Gay Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
GAY, Col. Alex H., Jr. Col. Alex H. (Buddy) Gay Jr., USAF Retired (89) of Tucker, GA, who's passions were flying, and his family, "Slipped the Surly Bonds of Earth" for the last time on April 16. Buddy, as he was called by friends and family, served 27 years in the Air Force, serving during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, May 4, 1919, only son of Alex Gay, Sr. and Cornelia Caldwell. He was a graduate of the University of Alabama, and entered the Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet in March of 1940, flying open cockpit biplane PT-13 Stearman trainers. He served as an instructor pilot for much of WWII. During his long flying career, Col. Gay piloted aircraft including the AT-6, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-29 Super Fortress, B-25, C-133, P-47 and many others from biplanes to jets. He continued flying after his retirement in his Piper Twin Comanche, and had over 6000 hours of flying time. Col. Gay visited the new WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. last October with the Honor Flight Foundation. During his Air Force career, Col. Gay participated in and led several United Nations Emergency Airlifts, and received a U.N. Commendation for his service. Col. Gay also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the DeKalb County Tax Office. Col. Gay is survived by Christine Willingham Gay, his wife of 66 years, sons Alex H. Gay III (and wife Elly), of Lady's Island, SC, Ben A. Gay (and wife Sharon) of Seattle, WA, and daughter Peggy G. Torcivia (and husband Lou) of Marietta, as well as 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Buddy was a long time active member of Embry Hills United Methodist Church on Henderson Mill Road in Chamblee, where a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 22nd at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in Milledgeville, GA, at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, on Tuesday, April 21st at 2:00 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Embry Hills UMC. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Georgia 404- 355-7627
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Memories and Condolences
for Alex Gay
Brenda Edwards
April 22, 2009
Uncle Buddy accepted me into his family with open arms, always warm and friendly, interested in whatever Jerry and I were doing. An honor to know him, a devoted father and brother.
Ben and Sharon Gay
April 21, 2009
Buddy was a good man and a wonderful father. We will miss him so very much. We sure do wish we could be there.
Connie Morder Moore
April 20, 2009
I will remember Uncle Buddy as a fun loving person with a great sense of humor. My prayers are with you, Aunt Christine, and your family.
Don & Pat Grulke
April 20, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Pat Morder Arnett
April 20, 2009
I am so sorry to learn of Uncle Buddy's passing. He was always full of life and had good stories to tell. My thoughts and prayers will be with Christine, the children, and all the family during this sad time.
Mary (Jane) Morder
April 20, 2009
I'll always remember that Uncle Buddy gave me my very first ride in an airplane. Not long after our family moved to Georgia, he offered to take us up in his Piper airplane. We flew over Atlanta and north Georgia, all the way to my parents' house in Cartersville. It was a wonderful experience! My love and prayers to all the family.
O'Connor Family
April 20, 2009
We all loved Uncle Buddy so very much. He was always there for us. He could (and did!) fix anything. He found our family home for us when we were moving to Atlanta. He was always there for the big stuff too, birthdays, graduations... His laugh was infectous. We will miss him so but be proud to carry his memory in our hearts and share him with our children and grandchildren. God bless you, Uncle Buddy
Peggy Torcivia
April 19, 2009
He was a wonderful father and we will miss him dearly. He died doing what he loved to do.( Fixing things) He always had a project. Love you Daddy!
Patricia Hagerman
April 19, 2009
Beautiful tribute. I am so glad that Grandpa passed without suffering. He was richly blessed and he will be missed. Love you all.
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Cremation Society of Georgia, Inc.1826 Marietta Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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