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FRED GAY Obituary
Fred was born on March 31, 1941 in Sylvester, GA. He and his family moved to Brevard County in 1954. At the age of 18, he entered the Florida National Guard and he went on active duty during the Berlin crisis. He returned home as a 2nd Lieutenant and continued to serve in the National Guard until he left the service as Company Commander in 1968.
While a student at Cocoa High School, he worked in the parts department for Bob Ennis Olds Cadillac on Merritt Island, then he worked as a salesman, sales manager and finally a general manager. After ten years as general manager at Bob Ennis Dealership, Fred be came a partner at Marconi Pontiac, and in 1987 be came the owner of Quality Pontiac GMC Trucks
. He always loved a game of chance, and he believed the game of golf was a four hour waste of time, that is until he learned that wagers were accepted. He eventually turned into a golf fanatic. Rockledge Country Club became his home away from home, and the club members were grateful for his leadership and involvement.
His community and volunteer service is Legendary! There is hardly an organization in Brevard County in which he didn't participate, contribute, or lead. Giving back to the community was an important part of his life.
Fred is survived by his wonderful and supportive wife, Jana; Daughters, Michelle Gay North, Nicole Gay Lato, Dottie Matteson. Sisters, Trena (Bob) Hopkins, Kathryn Gay Gutierrez, Marilyn Gay Winkler (predeceased); Brother, Don (Beverly) Gay. Three Grandchildren, One Great Grandchild, Eleven Nieces and Nephews, and Three Grand Nieces and Nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Rockledge Country Club on Sunday, September 18, from 2-6 p.m. Additional parking will be available at Golfview Elementary and Rockledge Garden Club, Fiske Blvd., and shuttle service provided by Quality Pontiac.
In Lieu of Flowers donations should be made to the Brevard Community College Fred Gay Golf Academy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for FRED GAY
Sue Munsey
October 2, 2011
Brevard County owes Fred Gay a great deal more than can be covered in a paragraph. He either started or gave a giant boost to almost every worth while project in the County, and to most of the non-profit organizations that now stand so successfully in our community. If you look at their records you will find Fred Gay's name among those that worked so hard for it's success. Even with all of that he still found time to help hundreds of individuals. And we know that without the loving support of his wonderful wife Jana he would not have been able to do so. Our family especially owes a great deal to Fred. But, the best thing he could give you was his "Friendship". We will not forget him, he has left a legacy for us all. Sue and Bill, Will and Rusty Munsey. Cape Canaveral
September 25, 2011
My condolences to the family. My mother was Jeanette Gay, Uncle Dudley's sister. Jenny Sammons Massey
Kathy Gay-Gutierrez
September 22, 2011
The true measure of a successful life is not how many people you love...... but how many people LOVE you..... God Bless you my sweet brother... we all love you.
September 22, 2011
I am Fred's cousin and have not seen any of the family since the 70's. My mother was Marjorie Gay Bowers, Fred's dad's sister. It was nice to read the guest Book and see all the wonderful things he has done for many.
Linda Stith [email protected]
Don Gay
September 21, 2011
Jana you have our condolences. We shall miss him always.
Cathy Dixon
September 19, 2011
Fred and my father, Dale Dixon, were very good, close friends since their high school years. Fred helped me pay for my first two years of college when I had no idea how I was going to do that. He was a great man and a wonderful friend to my family. I found it ironic that his obituary was directly next to my fathers in the paper. They were friends in life and they continued on into the next life together. RIP Fred and take care of my father while you are in heaven!!
Linda Breazeale
September 18, 2011
Fred was an icon in Brevard County. How many times I would run into a problem, of any kind, and my mother would suggest I call Fred. Need a new vehicle?....Call Fred.Have a business question?...call Fred. One of my proudest moments was when Fred and my mother were honored by Junior Achievement for their long history in business in Brevard County. I know she was honored to share the evening with him.It has truly been a privilege to know Fred. Please know that he and his family are in our thoughts, and our prayers. The families of Patsy Clark and Linda Breazeale.
RL Jackson Sr
September 18, 2011
Fred's smiling face will be truly missed around Rockledge Country Club and the community.
Cindy Jarvis
September 18, 2011
Fred: Thank you so very much for everything you have done for me and my Family! I purchased my very first car from you - a Pontiac T-1000 - at Marconi Pontiac in the early 1980's. Since that time, I have purchased every single new car I have ever owned from YOU because of your honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. You ALWAYS treated me with dignity and respect and were one of the most generous people I have ever met in my life!! You have done so much for me and there are no adequate words to properly express how appreciative I am to you. I pray you may rest in peace and are soaring with the Angels! I offer my sincere and deepest sympathy to your Family. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this most difficult time.
Bill Hardy
September 17, 2011
My condolences to the family. I attended Cocoa High with Fred and after graduating from college he gave me my 1st job in 1970. Fred was a natural leader and a perfect example of professionlism. He was also my friend and he will be missed.
David Day
September 17, 2011
Jana, You knew instinctively the day you met Fred. What it took others only a minute to realize, how special he is and how difficult it is to express in words. Many of us lost a cherished friend, you and your family have lost so much more. Be comforted knowing Fred is at peace.
Cheri Perry
September 17, 2011
To my cousin Jana,I am so deeply sorry for your loss.I have you in my prayers,and my deepest sympathy for the loss of Fred.R.I.P.
John Doran
September 16, 2011
I will miss Fred out there playing golf at RCC. He was a true gentleman and always had kind words for everyone.
Vicki Glass
September 16, 2011
Thank you, Fred, for all you've done over the years for my girls and me. You were truly an amazing friend! I'm so sorry, Jana, for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. His family, friends, and the community have lost a great man! R.I.P. Fred.
September 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy to your family. I have known Fred since he was a teenager working at Merritt Island Oldsmobile and through our mutual GMAC days. I have many fond memories.
Judy Brown Richardson
Richmond Hill, GA.
Robert Dance
September 16, 2011
Fred was a long time friend and business aquaintance of my father (Bob Dance) for many years. Fred had a reputation for being a hard worker and a an all around good guy. He prided himself on his golf which showed his persistent work ethic.
Say Hi to my father for me, it has been a pleasure to know you.
Robert and Dr Vanessa Dance family
Cocoa Beach FL
Charles & Starr Cliff
September 16, 2011
So sorry for your loss, your Rockledge family will miss you Fred
September 16, 2011
Fred gave me my first job at a dealership when I was working at a service station. I learned a great deal from Fred, Tony,and Mr Ennis for ten years. Fred gave me a chance to do things that no one else would have. I learned to work hard, and make things happen. When I learned Fred was once the Parts Manager and now was the General Manager of the dealership he was my mentor. Fred taught me alot, things he knew that worked and things that didn't. Sometimes I would stop by the dealership in Cocoa very early on my way to work and Fred wuld already be there getting ready for the day....golfing.
Fred, thanks for all you have done for me and everyone you came in touch with.
Wayne Rogers and Family.
Priscilla Southworth
September 15, 2011
Fred you were a friend in high school and a friend when I bought my first Olds from you. My sympathies to your loving family - I hope they will alway cherish their memories of you.
Priscilla Firkins Southworth
Randi King
September 15, 2011
Jana, I am so sorry for your loss, Fred was an amazing man. Back in the 80's you and I used to work together at Ivey's on merritt island on special events. I have fond memories of working with you and Fred as well at the cocoa beach chamber of commerce, both of you always giving your time to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
David Tomczak
September 15, 2011
Thank you for your community involvement and all you did for the people of the Space Coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
September 15, 2011
Fred was with me at Bob Ennis Olds,Cadillac for more than 23 great years. He started in the Parts Department,then Servece Department,Sales,Department and then General Manager,Where do we find people like that today? Fred has always been more than an employe more like the Son I never had.
Robert E (Bob0 Ennis
Sandy Gamblin
September 15, 2011
I worked with Fred for so many years in the 70's. It was always a special day when I called on Fred at Bob Ennis. My wife and I were fortunate to visit Jana and Fred three years ago on a visit to Brevard County. He will be missed by the many people who knew him. I am a better man for knowing, respecting,and loving this wonderful man.
Bob Hughes
September 15, 2011
A good man to work for and a rarity in the car business, he was an honest man. Fred was also the most generous man that I ever met and I am sure that he personally influenced many lives for the better.
Raj Rawal
September 15, 2011
Fred, You will be so missed. Your friendship and help over the last 30 years has made such a lasting legacy in my own life as well as my sons, and I will always remember you and Jana and the relationship we have shared. Thank you and God Bless You... Raj Rawal and Family
September 15, 2011
Fred was a great friend to George and I and he will be missed. Fred got us involved in the M3 Group, Reach-on-the-Beach, and the Miss Brevard County Scholarship Pageant. Jana, our prayers and condolences are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Love,
Bettie and George Sorie
Paula Pates
September 15, 2011
Such a beautiful person he will be sorely missed. A great boss at the newspaper on Merritt Island. My prayers are with his family.
Max & Dottie Gross
September 15, 2011
Fred-The community and your involvement in it will be missed, but not forgotten. Thanks for all the brief but sage advice you always gave me. You are a symbol of Rotary's goal--"service above self".
John Stevelberg
September 15, 2011
My first friend when I moved to the area. Whether you needed advice, help or just some conversation Fred would always be there for you. Fred did things "his way" - and the right way.
Steve Houser
September 15, 2011
He was my mentor, true friend and second dad. Fred is in heaven with my Dad and I am sure they are plotting their next great adventure.
Kristin Reilly
September 15, 2011
God Bless u Sir!!!! Love Peaches!
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