Richard Bernie Lay

Richard Bernie Lay obituary

Richard Bernie Lay

Richard Lay Obituary

Published by Legacy on Sep. 18, 2025.
Richard Bernie Lay, 76, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, formerly of Whitesboro, was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Richard was born on June 22, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee to Bernie and Gladys Swift Lay. He married the love of his life, Judy Lay, on August 12, 1978. From Tennessee to Mississippi, Texas to Arkansas they built a life and a family based on faith and love. He was a loved and respected football coach and teacher for 42 years where he touched the lives of countless coaches, teachers, athletes, and students with his wisdom, wit, and faith in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his daughter, Megan Ferrell and husband, Jeramy; daughter Kristi Moore and husband, James; daughter, Elizabeth Delaney and husband, Tom; grandchildren Matthew Mitchell, Devon Mitchell, Alyssa Whitaker, Ayden Ferrell, and Alexandra Delaney.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Ann Lay, son, Joshua Richard Lay, parents, Bernie and Gladys Lay, his brother, Donald Lay and sister, Dorothy Jones.

Graveside services honoring Richard will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday June 19, 2025 at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro, Texas, officiated by, Rev. Michael Burns. No formal visitation is planned.

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