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Richard Gay Obituary
Dec 20, 1924 - May 3, 2011
Richard "Dwight" Gay, age 86, of St. Louis, formerly of Alma, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, at Mid Michigan Medical Center-Gratiot. A Memorial Service for Dwight will be held at the Alma United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Phil Friedrick will officiate.
Dwight was born in Midland, to Richard and Irene (Venis) Gay on December 20, 1924. In 1926, his family moved to Alma. He graduated from Alma High School in 1942, and from CMU in 1947. Dwight served in the Navy during WWII as lieutenant on a mine sweeper. In 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Carter, in Key West, Fla. and began working in the family dime store business. In the 1960's he and his brother Jim purchased Gay's 5 and 10 from their father and three uncles. They operated stores in Alma, Clare, Stanton, Ithaca, Carson City, Remus, St. Louis, Edmore, and Mt. Pleasant, retiring in 1981.
Dwight was a member of the Alma United Methodist Church (84 years), the Masons, the American Legion (65 years), and was a former member of the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, and the JC's. He loved spending time at his cottage on Higgins Lake, but his main interest was the nurture and care of his family. A kind and loving person, Dwight will be greatly missed.
Surviving Dwight are his wife of 66 years, Barbara; their three sons, Richard Gay of Alma, Jeffery Gay of Denver, Colo., and Timothy (Susan) Gay of Gallup, NM.; five grandchildren, Jon, Carter, Stephanie, Keegan, and Kelsey; and three great grandchildren, Ella, Hailey, and Pierce.
Preceding Dwight in death was his brother, Jim.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alma United Methodist Church.
The family is being served by the Dewey Funeral Home of Alma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gay
6 Entries
Lynda North
April 3, 2024
Would love to see photos of their Stanton store, 2024, if anyone has any.
Larry Richards
May 8, 2011
carter i am so sorry for your loss i remember how close you where with your grandpa
Great Grandma Barb and Grandpa Dwight at Hailey's 3rd Birthday Nov. 2010
May 6, 2011
Barb and family,
We have so enjoyed being part of your family the last 4 years. It has been a joy to know Dwight and experience his hospitality and love. He was a man of great integrity and kindness and he will be remembered by all of us forever. May our great God surround you with love,peace and strength these coming days and months.
Love to all,
Grace and Tom Schwanda
Wade Metcalf
May 4, 2011
Barb and Family,
We’re so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. He was such a kind and good man. Years ago, he was a caring employer to Margaret’s grandma Doris, who thought the world of him. We’ll remember him as a great neighbor, a friend to all of our rowdy neighborhood boys, and the bearer of plates of Barb’s excellent cookies each Christmas. At a time in life when some people become intolerant of children, you and Dwight took delight in every grandchild, neighbor kid, and trick-r-treater that came your way. You and Dwight seemed to be the ultimate grandparents, hosting family baseball games, college-bound grandchildren, and caring for your great granddaughter, Hailey, well into your 80’s. As relatively young people, we can only hope to be so fortunate, and so ambitious, in our golden years. We will miss Dwight. Take care
Wade, Margaret, Clif and Jake Metcalf
May 3, 2011
Keegan and Kelsey,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa. He was a good neighbor and loved to talk about the two of you! He was very proud of you.He will be missed.
xoxo
Mrs. Nichols
The Staff of Dewey Funeral Home
May 3, 2011
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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