Louis Norman Gay Jr.

Louis Norman Gay, Jr.

WHITAKERS - Louis Norman Gay, Jr., age 95, passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on June 21, 1923, he was the son of the late Louis Norman Gay, Sr. and Edna Earl Bradley Gay. He is also predeceased by his beloved wife, Minnie Jo Fisher Gay of 67 years; daughter, Edna Virginia "Ginger" Gay; sisters, Gladys G. Morris and Louise G. Peacock.

Norman was the oldest child and a great brother to his younger siblings. They loved to sing together as they did their chores on the farm. After graduating from high school, he was drafted into the Army, where he served as a Drop Master assigned to the 490th Quarter Master Depot and attached to the 101st Air Bourne Division during WWII supplying airborne troops behind enemy lines. While performing his duty on September 18, 1944, SGT Gay was shot in the left arm and shoulder. He refused medical attention and courageously remained at his station. Arriving over the designated area, he manipulated the release with only the use of his right hand, dropping the vitally needed supplies. Not until then, did he allow his wounds to be treated. The fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by SGT Gay reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. As a result of his efforts and gallantry, he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Air Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars. During his tour of duty, SGT Gay was involved in the Western Front which included the Normandy D-Day Invasion, or Operation Overlord, the Northern France Campaign, the Rhineland Campaign which included the Rhineland Offensive, the Ardennes-Alsace Campaign which included the Siege of Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge, and Holland-Operation Market Garden, as well as to include the Central Europe Campaign.

Norman met the love of his life in 1945 after the war, when he was asked to speak at the Whitakers High School French class. They were married December 31, 1947. Norman was the manager at Low's Appliance Store on Main Street in Rocky Mount for over 40 years. He was a family man, and extremely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing better then spending time with them. He served the Lord at Gethsemane Baptist Church for over 70 years teaching Sunday School, serving as a Deacon and singing in the Choir.

Norman leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, June G. Carlisle and her husband, Bobby, of Conetoe; son, Louis Norman Gay, III and his wife, Tracie, of Red Oak. He is also survived by her grandchildren, Amy Carlisle Dixon and husband, Brian; Ashley Benjamin Carlisle, III; Jesse Louis Gay and Travis Williamson Gay; and great-grandchildren, Cooper Lee Dixon and Austin Carlisle Dixon, brother, Aaron G. Gay and his wife, Emily of Rocky Mount. He also leaves behind a special niece, Lynda S. Shepard and her husband Dan and nephew, Kent Gay.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Dan Shepard officiating. Burial will follow the service at White Oak Cemetery in Whitakers. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday, November 9, 2018 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gethsemane Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, P. O. Box 715, Whitakers, NC 27891or the Disabled Vets, 1020 19th Street, NW, Suite 475, Washington, DC 20036.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www. Wheelerwoodlief.com.

As published in The Daily Reflector