Dr. Charles E. Gay, Jr.'s Obituary
Dr. Charles E. Gay, Jr. gently passed away on May 18th at home with family present. Dr. Gay practiced in Longview for over 40 years and developed strong relationships with patients and friends over the years. Dr. Gay was born June 1, 1932 in Okolona, MS and finished school in Jackson, TN. While at Union University, he married Mary Carter on December 19, 1953 and they moved to Memphis, TN in order to complete his medical training. Dr. Gay graduated from the University of Tennessee medical school in June of 1957 and completed his internship with hospitals in Memphis. He then served in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon with the rank of Captain and upon discharge decided to begin family practice in Longview. As his family grew, so did his practice and fondness for his patients. During his lifetime, he belonged to several medical practice organizations and served as Chief of Staff for Good Shepherd Hospital. He was a founding member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and was elected to serve as an Elder. For several years, Dr. Gay also served as the team doctor for local middle school football teams. Later, he married Carolyn Castleberry on September 24, 1983 and together they enjoyed their small farm and church classes at Oakland Heights Baptist Church. He retired from practice in 1994 but continued to meet with fellow retired physicians for monthly lunches, over which they shared stories and jokes, much to his satisfaction. Dr. Gay was loved and respected by many and is survived by his children: Jeff Carter (Lisa), Melissa Kellogg (Andrew), Elizabeth Pike (Billy) and their children; his sisters Beverly Enloe, Ruth Cooper (Pat) and their families, as well as his stepchildren James Castleberry (Lisa), Karen Castleberry, John Castleberry and their families. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Carter Gay, his second wife, Carolyn Nichols Gay, his 4-yr. old granddaughter, Amy Gay, his brother, Adam Gay and his step-daughter Vicky Castleberry.
Visitation for Dr. Gay will be Saturday, May 21st at Rader Funeral Home on Judson Road in Longview at 1 p.m. with services to follow at 2 p.m. The family requests that memorials be directed to Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services of Texas and Louisiana, 4407 Bee Cave Road, Suite 520, Austin, TX 78746
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