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Patrick Lay Obituary
Patrick is survived by his two daughters, Katherine Lay and Victoria Lay, his older brother, Christopher Lay, and his father, Philip Lay. He is preceded in death by his mother, Penny Barrows, who passed in Knoxville, Tennessee in the year of 2012.
Patrick was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on the 24th of April in the year 1968. He graduated from Halls High School in 1986 and he graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in Geology. He married Sally Lockridge in the year of 1996 where they met in Knoxville via mutual friends. Patrick and Sally moved together to Gulf Breeze, Florida, where Patrick continued his career as a geologist with EarthTech and they soon welcomed their eldest daughter, Katherine Lay, into the world in December of 1998. They later welcomed their second daughter, Victoria Lay, into their arms in June of 2004. The family moved between Texas and Florida for the coming years. In 2016, Patrick transitioned to a job with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the south florida area, where he continued his career development until his passing.
His children remember him as a kind-hearted, goofy, and loving father who always supported them in their academic career, goals, and accolades. He continued to encourage them as academics were of great importance to both parents.
Patrick was a lover of math, science, and how our world came to be. He knew a multitude of facts about rocks and minerals that graced our planet and was eager to share his passion for our Earth with his daughters and friends. He was skilled in his career in geology and geotechnical engineering as a project manager and supervisor. His coworkers and supervisees looked to him for help and support not only in the workplace but in their lives as well. Patrick was a caring, gentle soul who was never quick to judge anyone and never hesitated to lend a hand to someone in need.
Close family and friends will be holding a memorial to celebrate Patrick's life on Friday, May 31st, 2024. Visiting hours will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Beaver Brook Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, please post photos and memories of Patrick that you would like to share with the family on the memory board at: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/memoriam/in
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andre Pryce
June 19, 2024
Very sad to hear of Patrick´s passing. I met Pat when we both worked for Earth Tech in Destin, Florida and worked with him again in our San Antonio AECOM office. Great guy, always had a smile to give. Great family man, coworker and friend. My condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him. He will truly be missed.
Kim Hansard Davis
June 9, 2024
What a shock. I´m just learning of Pat´s passing and it has hit hard. Pat was one of my dearest friends growing up in Temple Acres. We were Chip and Dip. Even though we were three years apart in age, we were close friends. He always brought a smile to my face and we laughed about everything. Reading the memories others have written, I see that he continued to be a bright spot in so many lives. I´m so sorry I did not know about his passing until now. I would definitely have been at his celebration of life. Many prayers for Phillip, Chris, Angela and Patrick´s families. He was truly special.
Loretta H Rayfield
June 8, 2024
My prayers are with his family. He was always nice to me in school.
Michael
June 8, 2024
He was one of the only popular kids my class who treated me with any kindness and respect at all. He was good to everyone! I´m glad to see he worked hard to advance the cause of science and Reason. Rest in piece, old sport!
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Bart Dawson
June 7, 2024
Knew Patrick going back to 1995 when we worked for Earth Tech. He and I could debate CB illegal football endlessly, he loved his TN Volunteers. RIP my friend.
Linda Raabe
June 6, 2024
I worked with Patrick at AECOM. It was a pleasure to know him and work with him. Always had a smile on his face. My condolences to his family. May God bring you peace and comfort.
Linda Raabe
June 6, 2024
I worked with Patrick at AECOM and it was a pleasure to know him and work with him. Always had a smile on his face. My condolences to the family. May God bring you peace and comfort.
Bob Onderko
June 6, 2024
A true friend who always had a contagious smile!!
Enrique J. Navedo
June 5, 2024
I am in so much pain writing this because of how unfair it is for such a good man to leave us long before he should have. I will always love and miss him. Katherine and I are so sad our future children will not be able to meet their grandfather. I promise to tell them so much about you and how great you were.
Devin Kirkpatrick
June 4, 2024
Patrick was a very friendly co-worker at the USACE office in Wellington, FL. He knew everyone there and he frequently made his way around the office chatting with everyone. He was knowledgeable about many topics outside of work and he was also involved with every contract in the office, so he had lots of topics to discuss with everyone. He was a good friend to all. I always enjoyed his humor, specially about work topics, and we laughed hard together many times. Patrick always had the scoop on what may be some gossip, a rumor, or true breaking news in the office. Myself & many others relied on him as a valuable source of the very latest info and also as a very knowledgeable professional resource. He contributed to the success of the office in many ways. He was an outstanding co-worker, a true communicator and a true friend. I believe Patrick really enjoyed working at the Wellington office, and the office was very much a better place to work because of Patrick Lay.
Respectfully,
Devin B. Kirkpatrick, P.E.
Timothy Fitzhugh
June 3, 2024
I remember when I first interviewed for a position with AECOM to work as a contractor for USACE around five years ago. I didn´t know a damn thing about constructing a dam, but I knew a few things about geology. During my interview, I said as much and that I was willing to learn anything if given a chance. You diverted the interview to discuss rock cores and your enthusiasm for geology. I have always had a passion for geology, and when you spent twenty minutes discussing coring and the geology surrounding Lake O, I knew I would learn something. While working with Patrick, I learned way more than I anticipated. He had a knack for getting the most out of people. He grew my confidence in geology and managing groups of brilliant engineers and geologists and supported me when needed. Working alongside Patrick Lay and the entire Geotech team on HHD was the highlight of my career. I joined USACE because of Patrick Lay. As much as I wish you were still here, your impact on the team is still present-condolences to your family and friends. You will be missed by all who had the privilege to meet or work with you. Rest easy; your humor, kindness, generosity, and passion will be remembered.
Tim Fitzhugh
Xoel Castillo
June 2, 2024
I was deeply saddened to learn of Patrick's passing. He was a remarkable leader and a mentor to many. Patrick played a significant role in the early stages of my career, offering guidance and support that shaped my professional journey. He was not only an outstanding leader but also a compassionate and inspiring individual, always smiling and laughing, bringing joy to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. My heartfelt condolences go out to Patrick's family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
- Xoel J. Castillo
Ivonne Butler
May 31, 2024
I met Patrick in 2016 when he began to work for the Corps of Engineers and worked closely with him (virtually), especially when he became a supervisor. He and I often joked about doing "our best work" on hiring strategies on what we called "drive time". On my way home from work he said him and the other managers were drawing straws as to who got drive time with me and he often won! We talked about work a lot but he also talked about his daughters and how proud he was of them! I was truly shocked at this news and have kept his family in prayer for their comfort. Rest in Peace my friend!
Lisa Bars
May 31, 2024
The Bare family sends their deepest condolences. He was one of the kindest and funniest people we have ever met. Hence the reason we called him Paw Paw. It was truly blessing to have know him. He was loved by us all.
Terri Morgan
May 31, 2024
Philip and family, I was so sorry to learn about Patrick's passing. Prayers for all.
Hamza K
May 31, 2024
I met Patrick in 2020 when he interviewed me for a position at USACE. I was very nervous but his friendly personality made me feel relaxed. Ever since then we were not only co-workers but he was someone who I considered also a friend. Patrick was someone who really tried helping any and everyone that he came in contact with. We always talked about how much he loved his daughters and father. I will always be keeping him and his family in my prayers. My condolences to the family and his love ones.
Laura Sanchez
May 31, 2024
Laura Sanchez
May 31, 2024
Laura Sanchez
May 31, 2024
Fourteen years ago I met Patrick while working on a project in Panama Beach, FL. He was my mentor and my friend and we continued to keep in touch. My husband and I enjoyed his company, and he was always a welcome guest in our home.
I recently had the privilege of working for Patrick again as part of his USACE geotechnical team, he was as always knowledgeable and funny, and I will sincerely miss his big smile and "thumbs up". Rest in Peace my friend- I hope that you and "Frog" John Wilson are playing the best golf ever!
Bee Askari
May 31, 2024
I worked with Patrick from 2018-2020. I don't think Patrick ever met a stranger. His sociable southern personality and quick wit defined him. However, at work, when he spoke, you knew it came from a place of knowledge and authority. I was shocked when I heard of his passing. I pray for the repose of his soul and the family and friends he left behind.
- Bee Askari
Sarah Barnes
May 31, 2024
I've had the pleasure of working with Patrick since 2019 on multiple Army Corp projects. His knowledge and passion for geology was something to be admired. Him and I recently shared an office in Clewiston and that's where I got to know him on more of a personal level. He talked mostly about his daughters and father and how much he enjoyed spending time with them. He spoke about how proud he was of his daughters for all they've accomplished. He would come to our local Elks Lodge and have steak dinners when I would be there cooking and hang out and talk with me and whoever else was around. He was such a kind soul. I loved his southern accent and love for southern food being a southerner myself. I would cook for my family and bring him lunch and he would be so grateful. I'm thankful for his friendship and the time I was able to spend with him and get to know him. He will be deeply missed by his so-workers are the Army Corp. My prayers go out to his family.
Jeff Pohlig
May 31, 2024
I worked with Patrick from 2016 until 2020 and then again for the past month. I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to catch up with him recently after being gone for so long. Patrick made me feel like I never left. Patrick was always able to lighten the mood even in the most serious of meetings. Patrick was always open to grabbing a beer with me after work and I really enjoyed trading stories with him during happy hour. I was really looking forward to restarting that tradition. I'm deeply saddened by his passing and will miss him greatly, not just in the office, but as a close friend. I'll pray for his friends and family in this difficult time.
Jaime Perez Figueroa
May 31, 2024
Had the opportunity to travel for work alongside Patrick shortly after I started working with USACE, and connected with him both personally and professionally. I will always carry with me all the laughs and great conversations we had. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.
Roberta Cotton
May 31, 2024
I send my deepest condolences to you and your family as you share precious memories of him. A great person to talk to.
CC Simpson
May 31, 2024
It took my breathe away when I received the news Patrick passed. I was able to meet Patrick briefly over a supervisor meeting. But the impact will be a memory I will remember. We were working on a team together to build a stick and marshmallow tower (so a great time to be oneself, lol). Patrick was a fun soul, easy to have a conversation with and just a kind person. Patrick made me feel like I'd known him and we were just picking up where we left off. I wanted to share my brief moment in his life I was able to share with him. My prayers are with the family.
Victor Negron
May 31, 2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Patrick. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Patrick will always be remembered for his kindness, warmth, and infectious smile. May you find comfort and strength in the love and support of family and friends.
-Victor Negron- USACE coworker
Joshua Stettin
May 31, 2024
I first met Pat while I was working on federal construction projects in south Florida. He had a unique ability to make anyone feel valued and accepted, creating a sense of belonging wherever we were. His infectious laughter could light up any room, and his presence brought joy to all who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to everyone affected by this loss.
Joshua Stettin
Ray Castillo Jr.
May 31, 2024
Patrick Houston Lay as he referred to me as his brother from another mother. Which now, has taken on a completely new meaning. My heart was broken from the news of his passing. We met working together at Earth Tech in San Antonio, Texas. we shared in so many intimate conversations about family, life and had so many laughs some uncontrollable laughs especially when he talked about his above average I.Q. and I was privileged to know Sally, Katherine and Victoria as little girls now grown young women but he always kept me up to date in his joys the pride in the girls successes and his utmost Love for them. My wife Felice and all my children knew him and also shared laughs and said his humor, quick wit and Southern droll was contagious. To me he will always live on in my heart. That is the special thing about Love it lives on and has NO BOUNDS. Deepest sympathies to those left behind but rest assured he never will be forgotten, and always, always Loved. Gods speed my brother. Ray Castillo and family. [email protected]
Joey Swiney
May 30, 2024
Youth sports playing football with Pat, continued our friendship throughout middle and high school.
He was pleasure to have known Pat and his family in Halls for many years. He was a kind soul.
Joey Swiney
Jennifer Chastain
May 30, 2024
Patrick hired me at AECOM in Destin, FL. He was always fun and kind and loved to talk! He definitely made me smile. The office wasn't the same after he left. I am so very sad to hear of his passing and send my deepest condolences to all his loved ones.
David Collette
May 29, 2024
David Collette
May 29, 2024
David Collette
May 29, 2024
My very best friend from as long as I remember, this has been a very trying part of my life with losing Pat as I always looked up to him. That I was always happy for him because he made everything seem simple and easy. I was very proud of him when he won awards or even in athletics he was great. He was a very soft-spoken person who admired and loved dearly. I will always miss him and think about him every day. Philip and Penny were great parents to Pat and always respected both of them.
Victoria Lay
May 29, 2024
I will always remember my Dad´s contagious laugh
Katherine Lay
May 29, 2024
Katherine´s master´s graduation in December 2023
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