Delbert Gay

The Obituary of Mr. Delbert Gay Officiating Ministers: Rev. Steve May and Rev. Jerry Holland Delbert Gay was born on May the 28th 1918, as the 10th child, to the union of John McIntosh and Ibbie Hensley Gay. As a boy and a young man growing up in Sizerock, KY he helped his father John, along with his brothers, on the farm and in their logging business. Delbert joined the Army in March of 1942 and did his basic training at Ft. Knox, KY. after basic training he was assigned to the 802nd Military Police Unit. His first port of landing was in the Suez Canal Zone in Egypt. As Rommel's troops stormed across Africa in hopes of gaining control of the canal, which was the gateway to the oil fields in the Middle East, US troops were instructed to hold the Canal at all cost. He was very proud to be a part of the military campaign that changed the coarse of history as the Allied troops, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Brenard Montgomery, won the battle of El Alamein. Delbert then shipped out of the canal zone into the port of Haifa in Israel. He was chosen to serve in the Honor Guard that stood watch over the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the city of Bethlehem, on Christmas day of 1942. He also served in Palestine and Transjordan as he carried out his duties of enforcing the military laws of the United States Army. After his duty in the Middle East he was sent into South Africa where he served until he was ordered back to the Country he loves to complete his military career. Delbert visited 47 different countries while serving in the military. He was honorably discharged from his beloved army on December 20th 1945, at the place it all began, Ft. Knox, KY. As most young men, after WWII, he worked odd jobs for a couple of years. He met and married Annalee Begley on September 6th of 1947. That union produced four children that survives him in death. Clinton &(Fran)Gay of Whitley City, KY., Sandy Gay of Harrison, OH., Judy Hall &(David) of Erie, PA., and Kathee Beaton of Harrison, OH. Delbert worked as an employee of Fisher Body in Hamilton, OH. for several years. He then moved back to Kentucky where he started and ran a business (Gay's Used Cars) until he retired in the 1980's. In the course of running his business he affectionately became known as "Claude". He also married Mollie Jane Osborne in November, 1970. there were no children from this union, however he had a stepson Richard Sizemore that preceded him in death. Delbert and Mollie Jane raised Richard's daughter Michelle Sizemore Thomas who survives. Delbert came from a family of 13 all which preceded him in death. His parents: John and Ibbie Gay, 8 brothers: Willard, James, George, Lester, Chester, Lawrence, Harlan and Clay, 2 sisters: Lizzie Hoskins and Daisy Woods. Delbert also leaves surviving 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, one sister-in-law: Bertha Jones Gay, special friend: Mary Cathrine Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Delbert departed this world for a better home on May 27, 2010 just 2 hours and 15 minutes away from his 92nd birthday. Delbert believes in God and in the greatness of his country. He said "I have traveled to 47 different countries and the most beautiful one is this country in which I live". He instilled in his children the value of hard work and honesty. He often said that a man was only as good as his word. May we all choose to remember his words and strive to be honest men and women as we return to our daily lives. Delbert would not want us to mourn his passing he would want us to celebrate the long and prosperous life he lived. He would want you all to know that he was proud to be your father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Funeral services for Mr. Delbert Gay will be conducted on Monday - May 31, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the Dwayne Walker Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve May & Rev. Jerry Holland officiating. The interment will follow the funeral service at the Gay Family Cemetery at Sizerock, KY. Full Military Rites will be observed by the Leslie County DAV Chapter #133. The following will serve as Pallbearers: Ronnie Gay, Harvey Gay, Jack Gay, Jerry Gay, Vernon Gay, Charles Woods, Darrell Gay, John Gay, Jimmy Gay and Von Barger. Visitation will be on Sunday - May 30, 2010 beginning at 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home chapel. You may send your condolences to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomesllc.com.