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Joel Kay Obituary
passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2022, with his
loving wife by his side.
Thomas was born on March 1, 1932, in
Hart C ounty to t he l ate Joel Columbus
"J.C." and Nettie Sue Brown Kay. In addition
to his parents, Thomas was preceded
in d eath b y his siblings, William Doyle
Kay and Linda Kay Johnson.
Thomas was a graduate of Elbert County
High School and served four years in the
United States Air Force during the Korean
War. He obtained a Bachelor of Business
Administration D egree from G eorgia
State University, where he also worked
for 26 years in various accounting and administrative
c apacities, i ncluding T reasurer.
In 1994, Thomas was the recipient of the prestigious
Sparks Award, presented to Georgia State University
staff, faculty and students who "exemplify a
willingness to go the extra mile with good humor and
perseverance."
Thomas was also a professional photographer, owning
his own photography business for many years.
Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, camping,
traveling and tinkering in his workshop. He was
a member of Helen First Baptist Church.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 65 years, Delphine
Paul Kay, of Sautee; daughters, Pam Kay Hill (Bobby)
of Cleveland, and Jan Kay (Kelly) of Sautee; grandsons,
Rob Hill ( Jennifer) and Brad Hill (Michelle);
great-grandsons, Drake Hill and Zac Hill; and several
nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December
7, 2022 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Helen First Baptist
Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 p .m. with
Rev. Jim Holmes officiating. Private family burial will
be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.
The family kindly requests that donations be made
to the Pruitt Cares Foundation, 1626 Jeurgens Court,
Norcross, G A 30093 ( pruittcares.org/general-donation);
Helen First Baptist Church – Outreach Fund, 53
Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545; or a charity of
your choice.
To share a memory or to leave a condolences for the
family you can go to www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland is in charge of
arrangements. 706-865-3101 www.barrettfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Barrett Funeral Home - Cleveland118 North Brooks Street P.O. Box 825, Cleveland, GA 30528
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