Ben Kay

Benjamin Paul Kay, Sr., 85, of Hartwell, went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family at 5:41 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Born October 24, 1940, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, He was the fifth child of James Martin and Helen Dixon Kay.
Ben was a devoted husband, father, Papa and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ann Kay. Together they built a strong and loving family. He is also survived by his two children, Benjamin Paul Kay Jr. (Michelle) of Fernandina Beach, Fla. and Leah Kay Lee (Michael) of Hartwell.
He was a proud Papa to 11 grandchildren: Jordan Kay of Hope Mills, N.C.; Logan Franklin (Tanner) of Fayetteville, N.C., Linwood Kay of Fayetteville; Hannah Lee of Hartwell; Courtney Lee of Greenville, S.C.; Gavin Kay of Fernandina Beach; Riley Martin (Christian) of Jacksonville, Fla.; Jonathan Lee (Taylor) of Lavonia; Edison Kay of Fernandina Beach; Kristen Lee of Hartwell and Jak Schafer of Fernandina Beach. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Indie, Annalee, Blayden, Annette, LaraLei and Berkley, who is expected in April.
Ben is also survived by his brother, Jim Kay (Jeannette); two sisters-in-law, Carla Kay and Nadine Kay; his wife's brother and sister, Jimmy (Alicia) Moore and Libby (Leroy) Jeffers, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James, and Helen Kay; his sister, Rachel Textor; and his brothers, David and John Kay.
Ben proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy, then he received his BA in Accounting from Jones College of Jacksonville, Fla. He retired after 32 years of dedicated service with BellSouth. He then moved to Hartwell to be closer to his family.
He had a deep love for the Lord, His Word, and sharing that faith with everyone around him. Ben loved gospel music, fellowship with his Sunday School class, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. His greatest desire was that his children, grandchildren, and future generations would have a personal relationship with the Lord. His life leaves a legacy of faith, love, and devotion to God and family.
The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to his compassionate hospice caregivers, Brooke Futral, Anna Sewell, Charles Rickett and his sitter, Kiana Stowers, whom he dearly loved.
The family will receive friends Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Lavonia First Baptist Church.
A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Ben Kay will be held at Lavonia First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund at Lavonia First Baptist Church. P.O. Box 47 Lavonia, Georgia 30553 Beyond Campaign.
Ben will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his love for his family and the countless lives he touched by sharing the Word of God.
The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.