August 23, 1952 – February 7, 2022
ZEBULON – Anthony “Andy” Wilton Gay, Sr., 69, passed away on Monday. Andy was born in Wake County to the late Angus Wilton Gay and Hilda Gay. Andy was the beloved former Town Attorney of Zebulon and founding partner of Gay, Jackson, and McNally LLP, serving all of North Carolina. He was a loyal member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, Student Body President at Atlantic Christian College, and member of the Charter Class at Campbell Law School. Andy was President of the Pirate’s Cove Homeowners’ Association in Manteo and 2x Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament Champion. A director of First Citizens Bank, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a dedicated Rotarian, Andy remained a strong supporter and member of Zebulon Baptist Church for all of his life. Andy was truly a larger than life character, a staple in both the Zebulon and Pirate’s Cove communities, and will be missed by all.
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his twin brother, Randy Angus Gay. In addition to his mother, Hilda Gay, Andy is survived by his wife of 30 years, Laura Ann Gay; children, Anthony “Jake” Wilton Gay, Jr. and Abigail “Abby” Patience Gay; sister, Cheryl Gay Lanier; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
A memorial to celebrate Andy’s life with all those he loved and those who loved him will take place on the family farm in the Spring of 2022.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Wendell, NC. www.stricklandfuneral.com
36 Comments
Condolences to Andy’s family. I met Andy when my dad passed away. He was a wonderful advocate for my dad’s estate and helping us with issues that followed. From there, he became a friend. He even helped me put up “No trespassing” signs at our family farm, gave me his personal cell phone number, introduced me to his sweet mama and gave me good solid advice whenever I needed it. What a life he lead and a legacy he leaves behind. Take care!
We chose Andy as our attorney and only knew him in that copacity.We send our prayers and thoughts to his family. May you find peace.
A wonderful friend and colleague. My Heart goes out to his family
Ms. McCown, Andy and I were fraternity brothers at AC, but bonded at least as much in the waves on the OBX where we raised a fair amount of heck. One of our mutual friends, who absolutely adored Andy, was Cam McCown. Any relation? It’s been a long time since I’ve been in touch with either of these special friends.If you are in fact related to Cam, give her a hug from Robbie. Thanks.
Andy was indeed a wonderful, kind man! He didn’t judge people, unlike others! He has gone to be with his daddy and brother! May they all rejoice in peace!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m saddened to hear this news today.. I know Mrs. Gay and knew Randy. I’m a neighbor down the street. My heart and prayers go out to the entire family. Peace be with all of you.
Andy will be missed by everyone. He helped Phillip and I through some tough times this past year. Sending thoughts and prayers to
Laura, Jake, Abby, and Miss Hilda.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I can only imagine your heartbreak. When your grief lessens, I hope you remember only those wonderful memories you surely must have.
Billy and I send our deepest sympathy and love to Andy’s family! Our prayers are with you during this time!
My home farm is where Wilton grew up and Uncle Floyd’s house is still here. Andy would periodically ride through here just to visit and perhaps visit the family cemetery. He would always stop to visit if only for a little while. He was wonderful man and I was proud to call him cousin and friend. He will be missed.
Mr. Gay was a honorable man and a well respected attorney and a pillar of his community. The world will never be the same without this sweet man. RIP Attorney Gay🙏🙏
Sending my Live and Prayers! Andy was a good old friend that became an icon in the the town of Zebulon and most likely anywhere/anyone he met in his lifetime! Will miss him and may Andy Rest in peace!
My thoughts & prayers to the Gay family🙏🙏🙏
Being a former classmate to Andy & Randy…many fond memories remain forever in my heart….
So sorry to hear this, Andy was always someone I could call and always got the right answer. He will be missed my many. Peace for his Wife and Children and All his Family 🙏
I never met him personally. He was our attorney.,
He seemed a fair and decent man.
Condolences to the family!
Mary and Stan
We love you all very much. Praying for you all each and every day.
We were close friends in law school, and he really helped me through those tough times. Regretfully we did not stay in touch after that but he has always been in my heart and soul.
I am so sorry for your loss. Andy and Randy were one year older than me. I have fond memories of both in church and @ Wakelon School. So sad. Love you, Hilda!
I met Andy in the Wake County Justice Center and I asked him to represent me in a court case and he did and he asked me if I knew the Brinkley’s from Zebulon and I said yes and I told him who were my brother’s and he looked at me and said we are family and when I would see him , he would always speak regardless and we are going to miss you Andy… God called another Angel Home…. Rest In Peace Andy…
I offer my condolences to Andy’s family. He was a good friend to my late husband Welton Pearce. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Sending Andy’s family my condolences. Andy was a good friend of my late Uncle John Mincey and was a frequent customer at my daddy George Mincey’s shoe shop. He was my attorney at one time. He was a true character and many will miss him.
I am still shocked and with heavy heart. I currently work at his law firm and have worked with Andy for 22 years. Andy and his family are like family to me. I have to say that Andy was such a compassionate person for people and animals. He had a heart for everyone and he has helped so many people (ones who could afford to pay and ones who struggled to pay) that he worked for and believed in through any kind of circumstance. Andy believed in Second Chances. He did not judge. There are so many good things I could say a about Andy. He was so proud of his children and his wife and very dedicated to his Mother. He was just full of life and compassion. My love and thoughts for all of his family members!
Our hearts goes out to you and to everyone who loved Andy. This is such a huge loss. You and your family are in our thoughts as you grieve this loss
I saw Andy at a wedding not long ago, first time I had talked with him in years. He, Randy, myself and many other friends made a lifetime of memories as we grew into young men, not going to elaborate but fun does not begin to describe our plans. To his family I offer my sincere heartfelt sympathies for your great loss. You have been in my prayers for comfort and strength and you will continue to be.
Andy never met a stranger. He was a good friend of mine and a pillar in the Zebulon community. Praying for God to comfort your hearts in the coming days and weeks .
Andy was a good friend. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. Many prayers and blessings to the family.
Billy and Ani Mabe
Laura, I just learned of your husband’s passing from a family letter sent by Barbara Eason. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family with His comfort and His peace.
Andy was a vey special person to me in both my childhood and my adult life. He was larger than life, with the most giving heart. Laura, he loved you, Jake and Abby endlessly, and was so proud of his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you daily! Much love to all!🙏
We send our condolences to Laura and other family members. Have known and worked with him for years and will miss seeing him.
We were so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. The family is in our prayers. The Pope Family,
Andy was an old friend and a good guy:: the kind of lawyer essential to the life and well-being of a small town.
Andy was an old friend and a good guy: the kind of lawyer essential the the life and well-being of a small town.
IBoth of your son’s will be missed Randy and now Andy both Lol young men so sorry for your loss prayers of comfort to the Mother and the family ❤️🙏 a good lawyer..
I adored Andy and that wicked little smile of his when I would see him anywhere around town. To Laura, Abby and Jake…My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you.
My husband Shawn and I just learned about the passing of this fine man. We only had an attorney-client relationship with him but he was first class. Our sincere condolences to the family.
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