John William Gay

John William Gay, age 89, passed away the evening of Thursday, June 29th, 2017. He was born to Fred G. Gay and Betsey Faust Gay on September 21, 1927, in Ada, Oklahoma. He entered the US Navy in 1945. He and Elsa Grubaugh married in 1951, and the two began their ministry together serving churches in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Arkansas. He received his BA from Abilene Christian University in 1952 and his MA from Pepperdine University in 1981. John and Elsa moved to The Woodlands, Texas, in 2010 to be closer to family due to Elsa's illness with Alzheimer's. Mr. Gay is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elsa, his son, David Gay and wife Susan Fox of Orlando, Florida, his daughter, Kathy Gay and husband David Halbert of Colleyville, Texas, and daughter, Cindy Gay and husband Michael Winn of The Woodlands, Texas. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kristen Halbert and husband Jeff Barstad of McKinney, Texas, Patrick Halbert and wife Shannon Alcedo of Dallas, Texas, Michael Halbert and wife Caroline Burns of Dallas, Texas, Aaron Winn and wife Hayley Jones of Houston, Texas, Daniel Winn and wife Jaclyn Belsha of League City, Texas, and Thomas Winn and wife Laura Salvato of League City, Texas. He was the great-grandfather of 12. Other survivors include his cousin Mary Gurley and husband George of Ada, Oklahoma, sister-in-law, Jane Ogilbee and brother-in-law David of Humble, Texas, sister-in-law, Carol Barrett of Midland, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank the staff of The Forum, in The Woodlands, Texas. Their love, care, and friendship to our father, and to us, was beyond any duty or obligation. We would also like to thank the Conroe Church of Christ for showing the love of Christ to our father. They, as well as the staff at The Forum, have been the hands and feet of Jesus. His days were blessed by these precious giving people who sacrificed self. A Memorial service will be held at Conroe Church of Christ, Monday, July 17, 2017, at 11 a.m., with Steve DeLoach of Fayetteville, Arkansas officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Ada, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paragould Children's Home in Paragould, Arkansas, the Alzheimer's Foundation, or the charity of your choice.