Edward "Earl" Gay, age 73, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Born in Edgecombe County on August 3, 1944, he was the son of the late Luther Albert and Hazel Gray Dunn Gay. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Billy Gay.

He is survived by his wife of 50 ½ years, Joan Davis Gay; sons, Steven Edward Gay and Christopher Earl Gay and his wife, Anna, both of Rocky Mount; four grandchildren; sisters, Peggy Williams and her husband James, and Betty Jean Jones and her husband Randy; his brothers, Ray Gay and his wife Emma, and Tommy Gay and his wife Louise; and his sister-in-law Jo Ann Gay, all of Rocky Mount; numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Monday, December 11, 2017 at Rocky Mount Memorial Park with Pastor Walt Cooper of Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made in memory of Earl to either Proctor's Chapel Baptist Church, 2917 Old Wilson Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, or to West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC-43, Rocky Mount, NC 27801.

Arrangements by Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Rocky Mount.