Patsy Ruth Hale Kay

Patsy Kay, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully in her Waco home Oct. 11, 2007. Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, at Jonesboro Baptist Church with the Rev. Neil Matthews officiating. Following the services, her remains will be cremated and buried in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Scott's Funeral Home in Gatesville. Patsy was born Aug. 17, 1926, in Coryell County to the late Ollie and Neta Pennington Hale. She attended school in Oglesby, with the majority of her school years spent in Jonesboro, Texas. She was active in athletics, especially basketball and helped to take her team to championship playoffs and wins. Patsy also attended 4-C Business College in Waco and A&M Continuing Education in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Her proudest accomplishment was learning to fly at Waco Flying School at MCC, graduating first in her class in the early 80s. During her professional life Patsy was owner and CEO of the very successful Bailey Employment Service, which served Waco and surrounding regions. In August of 1973, Patsy married the love of her life, Herbert Marshall Kay, owner and CEO of Command Aire Corporation located in Waco and McGregor. Together their business acumen was unbeatable. They made their business even more successful, with Command Aire acquiring and serving large corporations around the world. After they retired in the late 70s, she and Herbert traveled around the world. Settling in Naples, Fla., they enjoyed many years there. After the death of her beloved husband of 27 years, Herbert, in 2000, she returned to her home town of Jonesboro and was extensively involved in her community. She served on the Board of Directors for the Community Center. Patsy was an active member of Jonesboro Baptist Church where she aided the church in the memory of her parents. She built and opened Glean and Gather, a grocery store, as well building a mercantile store, both for the Jonesboro Community. She took great joy in being able to replace the Eagles Basketball court for the Jonesboro ISD, building a community park, and helping others anonymously. Patsy is survived by her daughters, Janneta Ruth Genthe of Leander, Texas, Judy Ann Picciandra and husband, David of Waco; grandchildren, Heather Picciandra and John Picciandra; great-grandsons, Brandon Picciandra and Jonathan Picciandra; sisters, Audrey Lord, Ann Malpass, Louise Qualls, Pamela Matthews; brother, Kenneth Hale and many nieces and nephews. August 17, 1926 - October 11, 2007 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com