David Lay

1953 - 2022

David "Dave" Lay, age 68, of Russellville, who meant so much to so many, passed away on Aug. 20, 2022.

Dave was a hardworking and humble man who was most at home outdoors. He downplayed everything about himself except his two daughters and four grandchildren – whom he cherished.

Dave was born in Jamestown, N.Y., to John David Lay and Helen LaRue Lay. He grew up in Little Rock. He worked 39 years as the operations manager at BPI where he left his mark by mentoring and coaching. Throughout his life, he invested in others in countless ways, from helping friends through challenging times to teaching Boy Scouts about conservation while canoeing the Buffalo River.

Dave married his soulmate, Vickie (Mudd) Lay on April 12, 1997, at one of their favorite places, Petit Jean State Park. His passion for the outdoors began as a boy. His father taught him to fish. As he grew, Dave explored and appreciated nature through deer hunting, archery, canoeing and overland travel, to name a few. He was adamant about keeping Arkansas beautiful and natural. He relished discovering and experiencing the beauty of the woods – the kind that takes effort and a lifetime to find. He loved finding his way through the Ozarks, whether on a deer trail, along a back road, or swimming in the Buffalo. He celebrated sustainability – the ability to live off the land and survive if lost. Only, Dave knew the woods so well he was never lost.

Dave was an avid reader, an amateur photographer and a movie buff. He was a published writer and a loyal contributor to the Traditional Bow Hunters Association newsletter. He was a qualified member of the Professional Bow Hunters Society and life member of the Traditional Bow Hunters of Arkansas.

Dave was a family man. He loved experiencing everyday life with Vickie as well as sharing with her the splendor of sites such as the Grand Canyon. He was a source of light, wisdom, and love to his daughters. He was an active and engaged grandfather, reading books, playing outside, and planting seeds that inevitably will grow into a passion for the woods and the outdoors.

Dave is survived by his wife, Vickie Lay; daughter, April (Lay) Crouch and her husband, Dean Crouch, their children, Brighton and Bode; daughter, Brooke (Lay) Baker and her husband, Jon Baker, and their children Anabelle and Isabelle Baker; and sisters, Judy (Lay) Kopke and Debbie (Lay) McDonald.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. A private committal will be held in the J. Herman Humphrey Chapel of Light.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.humphreyfuneral.com