John Lay Obituary

John Lay, 82, formerly of Jacksboro, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on the 28th of September, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. Son of Mossie L Lay (Harmon) and James P Lay, he was born July 15, 1942 in Lake City, Tennessee. John graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1961 and entered the US Air Force shortly after, serving his country from 1961 to 1986 (25 years). He achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. John also earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Hospital Administration from Park College. After retiring from the US Air Force, John worked for the Department of Defense for 10 years as well as a consultant for Humana. John is survived by his wife, Marcy N. Parrott Lay, whom he met in high school while he was on the varsity football team and she a cheerleader. They had two children, Jon-Christian Lay and Sonja Kim-Yvette (Lay) Motter, son-in-law Chip Motter. He was immensely proud of his children. John was also a doting grandfather to Hailey E.A. Motter and Shannon-Olivia A Motter. 

He was preceded by his mother and father, brothers Bill Lay, Bob Lay, Charles Lay and sisters, June Slaughter, Helen Cornett, and Hazel Stephens. Brother-in-laws and Sister-in-laws with whom he was close to were Norris and Sue Parrott, Gene Parrott, Glenda (Lay) Parrott, Shirley (Parrott) and Edgar Sexton and Carl and Jewell Hensley. 

He is survived by Brother-in-Laws and Sister-in-Laws, Floyd and Mary Sue Hutson, John Parrott, Mildred Parrott and a number of nieces, nephews and friends, too many to name. He loved his family. A special call out to his niece Linda Bass. They spent their time as children growing up together and his close friend whom he spoke with almost daily, John Jackson.

John was a deeply beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He loved his high school graduation class of 1961 and often kept in touch with his classmates. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and found great joy in attending service. He was a Free Mason in Lake City, TN. 

Visitation will be held on October 3rd, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Rocky Top, Tennessee. Funeral service will begin at 7p. Interment will be at Ridgeview Baptist Church Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on October 4th, 2024. Military Honors will be conducted by the Campbell County Honor Guard.