George David Lay, Jr.

George David Lay, Jr., age 86, originally of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at his son’s home in Bryson City, North Carolina.

Mr. Lay was born in Gainesville, Georgia to George David Lay and Lillie Mae Pruitt Lay on October 16, 1929. He graduated from Airline High School and enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. While stationed in San Bernardino, California, he met his future wife LaVerne R. Ritchie. The two have been married since 1951 and celebrated their 65th anniversary in May of this year.

After they were married, the newlyweds moved back to Gainesville and lived with Mr. Lay’s parents for several years. They moved closer to the airport and Mr. Lay worked in building maintenance for Eastern Airlines and retired after 25 years of employment.

Mr. Lay resided in Jonesboro, Georgia for nearly 50 years and raised a family of five – three daughters and two sons. He was involved for many years in JAAA football, baseball, softball, Cub Scouts, Sunday School, and other activities in which his children participated. Once retired, he and his wife enjoyed square dancing, which became a regular feature in their lives.

Mr. Lay is preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Diane Lay; grandson, Charles David Norton; and brothers, Charles W. Lay and Harold H. Lay.

Mr. Lay is survived by his wife, LaVerne Lay of Thomaston; and his children, Margie Lay Edmondson of Jonesboro, Ga; William David Lay of Bryson City, NC; Karen Lay Norton of Bryson City, NC; and George Scott Lay of Thomaston, Ga. He is also survived by grandchildren, Jessie Matthew Edmondson, Jason Michael Edmondson, Sabryna Pamela Lay, Skylar Ruth Lay and Lillie Marie Norton. Mr. Lay is survived by three great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Ruthann Edmondson, Jessie Wayne Edmondson and Lauren Jane Edmondson.

Visitation will be held at Little & Davenport Funeral Home at 355 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, Georgia on Friday, September 9th from 5pm-8pm and again on Saturday, September 10th from 11am-1pm.

Funeral services will be held in the sanctuary at Little & Davenport in Gainesville on Saturday, September 10th at 1pm with the Rev. Richard Bobo officiating. Family and friends will gather for lunch afterwards at the home of Lawrence and Jerri Lay, at 3003 Pierce Road. The family asks that you bring a covered dish. There will be no graveside services. Mr. Lay will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in College Park, GA, on Saturday evening with only immediate family present.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Four Seasons Hospice, and sisters Angie Gaddis and Charlene LeQuire.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

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