James O. "Pap" Lay

James O. “Pap’ Lay, age 86, of Halls, passed away on Sunday, May 1st, 2016. He was a member of Old Pleasant Gap Baptist Church, was a greeter for the local Shriners, and retired from Southern Railway/Norfolk Southern after more than 42 years of service. He was a very generous, kind and compassionate soul who enjoyed his tractor collection, piddling around on his farm, where he had livestock and pets, and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Doris Lay, parents, Chester and Julie Lay, siblings, Herbert Lay and Blanche Clarke, and brother-in-law/best friend, Charles Hickman. He is survived by children, Linda Parker, Danny Lay, and wife Sherri, Larry Lay, and wife Pat, Tina Bridges, and husband Ronnie, grandchildren, Marsha Clark, Todd Lay, Jessica Jones, Jenna Scalf, Shannon Varner, Michelle Harrop, Rob Bridges, and Matt Bridges, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Martha Lay, niece, Glenda Parrott, extended family and many dear friends. A Special Thank You to the staff of Summit View for their loving care and support.