Jake Lay Obituary

KINGSPORT - Jake David Lay (J.D./Buck), of Kingsport, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Jake was born November 16, 1931 in Coalinga, CA to Jake and Kate Lay.

Jake retired from Supervision with the Eastman Kodak Company after many years of service. He enjoyed playing softball at Eastman Recreation with the Shops and Maintenance Department. He continued his love of sports by competing in the Senior Olympics, in volleyball, basketball, javelin and the shot put, and was a big TN Football fan. He was a Navy Veteran serving as Captain of a maintenance flight squadron during the Korean War. He was a deacon and longtime member of Beulah Baptist Church, where he enjoyed being on the "Kool Aid" VBS team. He worked with many church ministries, including cutting, splitting and delivering wood to the needy. He shared his musical talent with the Senior Citizens Center through their nursing home music ministry. His greatest hobby was his love of farming with his brother-in-law, Jimmy.

Along with his parents, Jake was preceded in death by his sisters: Joan (Jimmy) Snapp and Vinada (Mack) Brickey; brothers: Ernest Lay, Bill (Madge) Lay, James (Betty) Lay, Roy (Peggy) Lay and his wife: Helen Lay.

He is survived by his son: Steve (Rita) Lay; brother: John (Maureen) Lay; sister-in-law: Joanne Lay; grandson: Matt (Stephanie) Lay; granddaughter: Jessica (Jason) Brickey and great grandchildren: Caleb Lay, Hannah Lay, Straley Brickey and Isabelle Brickey.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at East Lawn Funeral Home, funeral services will follow at 7:00 conducted by Evangelist Tonnie Cash, Pastor John David Shanks and Bro. Al South. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 in East Lawn Memorial Park, Mausoleum 2, with Scott Thompson officiating.

Pallbearers will be Matt Lay, Caleb Lay, Jason Brickey, Toby Lett, and Josh Olinger. Honorary pallbearers are Danny Owens, Dave Davis, Gerald Malone, and the Deacons of Beulah Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church, or to Mercyships.org or St. Jude's Children Hospital.

Arrangements by EAST LAWN FUNERAL HOME