Dr. Aaron A. Gay Jr.

Dr. Aaron A. Gay Jr.
Chesapeake - Dr. Aaron Allen Gay, Jr. was born on April 19, 1933 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Aaron Allen Gay, Sr. and Mamie Lee Hicks Gay. As a young man, he attended St. Paul's AME Church of Jacksonville FL, as well as St. John's AME Church of Norfolk, VA. He continued his stewardship for the Lord at Union Chapel AME and finally as a devoted member of Covenant Presbyterian Church both in Norfolk, VA.
Aaron knew at an early age that he wanted to improve the lives of others through education. He began collegiate studies at Hampton University. After one year, he enlisted in the United States Army on the GI Bill. He served our country as a pharmacy technician throughout southern France. After receiving his Honorable Discharge Certificate, he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Norfolk State College. Continuing his studies, he went on to receive the M. S. Degree in Science Education at Hampton Institute. He furthered his edification at the University of Virginia where he earned his Doctoral Degree in Education majoring in Curriculum and Instruction while minoring in Administration & Supervision and Science Education. During this educational endeavor he worked at the Consultative Resource Center for School Desegregation where he managed the Administrators Supervisor's Project and directed workshops throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.
Realizing his God given purpose of pedagogy, Aaron taught at Jacox Junior High, Rosemont Junior High, Lake Taylor Jr. High and Maury High schools, where he not only taught Physical Science, Consumer Chemistry, Biology and Physics, but also served as a sponsor of classes, the Chess Club, the Pep Club, and more importantly, the Human Relations Focus Group. After his work with Norfolk Public Schools, he headed the Department of Secondary Education and School Leadership at Norfolk State University. Throughout his career he offered assistance and encouragement to many colleagues and tutees in pursuit of higher degrees and individual development. In his retirement, he inaugurated his family business, KIMEREX, Education Consultants, which conducted research projects that have influenced current proven practices of teachers, students and parents in many systems including, but not limited to, Norfolk Pubic Schools.
Not only was he a devoted educator but Aaron was also a devoted, hardworking member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he was on the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Home and Family Services, a member of the Men of Covenant, and a hardworking elder.
He was a charter member of Hampton Roads Golf Association and played every chance he had with his close golf buddies, rain or shine, scoring many holes in one. His mother taught Aaron how to crochet and he used the skill to relax and create beautiful shawls, sweaters and afgans for his family members, colleagues and friends. He immensely enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for family reunions.
Aaron Allen Gay, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on August 27, 2013. He was predeceased by his father, Aaron Gay, Sr., his mother, Mamie Hicks Gay, his younger brothers, Harold Gay and Arthur Gay, Sr., his nephew Arthur Gay, Jr. and his wife of 49 years and best friend, Barbara Noel Gay. He left to cherish the memory of his educational endeavoring and multi-talented, long-reaching life, his younger sister Loutisha Gay James, Willis E. Gay (Dorethea), his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ann Gay, Mrs. Cynthia Gay and Serena "Doll" Noel Thomas, his children Rex Aaron Gay, Kimberly Ann Gay, Erica Gay Parker (Robert) and six grandchildren, Robert Alan Parker, Jr., Matthew William Mensia, Cinsere Xaviar Parker, Elijah Jeremiah Parker, Kennedy Lee Parker, and Kendall Noel Parker, as well as a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A firm believer in uplifting others through understanding, Aaron shall never be forgotten as he enhanced the lives of over 50,000 students, educators and acquaintances.
The family will receive guests Monday, September 2, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Graves Funeral Home, 1631 Church St., Norfolk, VA. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 913 Covenant St. Norfolk, VA. www.gravesfuneralhomeinc.com