Richard Gay Obituary (1942 – 2022) – Bloomfield, CT – Legacy.com
Richard Earl Gay, Sr. age 79 affectionally known as “Shank” suddenly entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born on September 6, 1942 in Farmville, NC to the late Albert and Odessa (Joyner) Gay, he often recalled fond memories of his childhood with his family. Richard attended H.B. Suggs High School, and bragged about how he excelled on the football field. His skills earned him a scholarship to North Carolina Central University. He was destined for the NFL, but his college career was cut short following an injury.
Richard was a devout family man who loved his family dearly. Following college, he and his wife relocated to Connecticut during the 1960’s. Although he was a jack of all trades, he knew a regular 9-5 job would not fulfill his dreams. When the opportunity occurred, he began to explore entrepreneurship. On his career path while providing for his family, he owned various businesses including a soul food restaurant, a roofing company, and operated a home improvement company, Statewide Restoration, with his wife for over 40 years. He also received certifications for dental lab technician, real estate, and blue print perusals. Later in life, you could find him utilizing his building skills making ‘roasters’, in fact he sold one days prior to passing. He found joy in grilling and was known for his mouth watering ribs and pork delicacies.
With his vibrant smile, he was the life of the party with his bigger than life personality, electric style, and debonair demeanor. His hobbies included playing cards, cooking, singing the tunes of his favorite artist, and he was real smooth on the dance floor. He loved sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys when they won, and whatever team his nephew played for in the NBA. Lastly, he was a member of the King Solomon Masons and St. Matthew’s UFW Baptist Church.
Richard leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and supportive wife of 60 years, Marie; children, Renee Hoff of Hamden, Richard Gay, Jr., and LaRae (Phil) Plummer of West Haven. He is also survived by Corey Maddox, Sr of New Haven and Jerome Gay, Sr of Florida; brothers, Albert Gay of NY, Rudy (Rae) Gay, Sr. of MD; sisters, Patricia Williams of NY, Eleanor Darby (Donald) of NY, Fayleen Cooper (Walter) of NC; 15 grandchildren, Janelle, Kevin, Jalen, Trey, Darius, Jerome, Jr., Maliek, Jade, Quinnisha, Courtney, Corinne, Madison, Asani, Corey, and Christopher; 10 great-grandchildren, Easton, Kayci, Chayce, Karter, Jaxson, Jamari, Jordan, Jamal, Wren, and Winter; and a host of relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Elizabeth Turnage, Dorothy Jean Graves, and Rosa Kollie; brothers, John Gay, Robert Gay, and Walter Gay; and nephew, William Gay.
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Published by Legacy on Jun. 28, 2022.