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Edward Earl Gay

August 3, 1944 ~ December 6, 2017

ROCKY MOUNT - Edward "Earl" Gay, age 73, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on August 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Luther Albert and Hazel Gray Dunn Gay. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Billy Gay. Earl was a long-time member of Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church along with his wife, Joan. He retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation following many years and prior to that he ran Earl Gay Grocery for 13 years, a tradition of the Gay family which spanned 102 years. A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful friend, Earl will be dearly miss but never forgotten. Earl leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 50 years, Joan Davis Gay; sons, Steven Edward Gay and Christopher Earl Gay and his wife, Anna, both of Rocky Mount; and his grandchildren, Ashleigh Gay, Olivia Gay, Parker Gay, and Colson Gay. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Williams and her husband James, and Betty Jean Jones and her husband Randy; his brothers, Ray Gay and his wife Emma, and Tommy Gay and his wife Louise; and his sister-in-law Jo Ann Gay, all of Rocky Mount; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Walt Cooper of Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church officiating. A visitation with the family will be the evening before, on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in memory of Earl to either Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church, 2917 Old Wilson Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, or to West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC-43, Rocky Mount, NC 27801. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Sunday 12/10, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm A visitation with the family will be the evening before, on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Service Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Monday 12/11 A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Walt Cooper of Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church officiating. Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Monday 12/11, 10:30 am Interment will take place following the Graveside Service.

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  1. We are so sorry about the passing of Earl. He was a big part of the Drake family and he will be truly missed. Love to Joan and the rest of Earl’s family. Bryan and Teresa Drake

  2. James and I are so sorry for the family loss. We know Earl will be deeply missed by all. Prayers go out to all of his family and friends!

  3. Joan and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our prayers. Deborah and John

  4. May God be with Joan, Betty Jean, Peggy, and all the rest of the family, My prayers be with you all to find comfort in Jesus. He will be with you through this sad time.

  5. Steve, I’m so very sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.

  6. Sorry for your loss at this time Earl was a very well respected man around this community he will greatly be missed. Prayers for the entire family

  7. To the family, My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. May you find the needed comfort from the words at 2 Corinthians 13,4 and Psalms 3418 during this difficult time, as god promises to comfort the brokenhearted.

  8. My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and friend. I am so sorry for your loss and pray God’s blessings and grace in the difficult days ahead.

  9. Dear Joan & Family, Just learned of the passing of Earl and am so sorry. I hope your good memories will help comfort you during this sad time. My Larry passed away 7115 so I definitely know what you’re going through. May God bless and give you peace. Love you,


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