Jimmy Gay

Jimmy V. Gay, 75, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at Farwell Convalescent Center. He was born to Reba Leona Raburn and Bonnie Britt Gay on May 27, 1930, in Bovina, Texas. He attended and graduated from Clovis High School in 1948. He went to work for Empy Gressett at the age of 10. He was a welder in the Clovis area for 65 years. He drove a truck for H.A. Marr Grocery in late 1940s and early 1950s. He entered the Navy on Aug. 30, 1951, and served aboard the USS Bradford. He was employed by Southwestern Public Service and New Mexico American Water, and he retired after almost 42 years of service. He also owned and operated the Jimmy V. Gay Paint Co. He designed and built the gates to the choir loft at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the sign on the Steed-Todd Funeral Home. He was a member of Parkland Baptist Church for more than 30 years. Family members said he loved horse racing, dancing and reading his Bible.brbrHe was preceded in death by his parents and a multitude of friends. He is survived by a son, Jimmy R. Gay and wife, Teresa of Portales; two granddaughters, Nicole and Jessica, Gay both of Portales; two sisters, Dianne Brown Smitty of Shreveport, La., and LaJeanne Rushing Edward of Ruston. La., and a multitude of friends. brbrCremation has taken place.brbrThe family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. brbrArrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home.br