Obituary of Willard Eugene "Buddy" Lay

Buddy Lay, 84, of Pensacola, FL passed away Sunday morning, January 13, 2019. He was born on October 17, 1934 in Fairhope, Alabama. He was the beloved husband of Rose Marie Lay for 56 years. He was the son of the late Ella Mae Smith and brother of the late Johnny and Max Lay. He is survived by his sister, Becky and husband, Bobby Grimes from Fairhope, Alabama; daughter, Melissa and husband, Robert McCalman from Bradley, Arkansas; son, Michael and wife, Vickie Rawson from Pensacola, Florida and son Johnny Rawson, also from Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Joseph and wife, Savannah McCalman, Katy and husband, Ryan Haight, China Rawson, Michael Rawson Jr, Joseph Benjamin Rawson and 7 great-grandchildren. Buddy retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service, most of which was as the Chief Radioman in a nuclear submarine. He volunteered several days a week for the Department of Veterans Affairs from 2013 through 2018. Buddy loved people, especially his family and grandchildren, which were very dear to him. He was a faithful servant to the Lord, attended the Church of Christ and loved his church family and all his brothers and sisters in Christ. His family is comforted by the knowledge that while he will be missed here, he is in his heavenly home until we see him again. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 with visitation from 10:00-11:00am and service at 11:00am at Family-Funeral & Cremation, 7253 Plantation Road, Pensacola, Florida.