ROCKY MOUNT – William "Billy" Bryant Gay 67, passsed away March 27, 2007. He was born on August 12, 1939, in Edgecombe County. He was the son of the late Albert and Hazel Gay. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Luther and Lizzie Gay, Hatcher and Emily Dunn, a niece Sherry Hawkins, and nephew Quinten Gay.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Jo Ann William Gay; daughters: Mandy and Brian Hayes, Melanie Gay; one granddaughter; mother-in-law, Aileen Cooper Williams; brothers, Ray and Emma Gay, Tommy and Louise Gay, Earl and Joan Gay; sisters, Peggy and James Williams, Betty Jean and Randy Jones; serveral nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts Edna Gay Wood, Elizabeth (Rook) Gay Adams and numerous other family members.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and other times at the home, 7791 Bulluck School Road, Rocky Mount.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 30, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. John Woods and Rev. Billy Webb officiating. A private burial was held at the farm on Saturday.