Ferrell Lee Gay's Obituary
Ferrell L. Gay passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022. Ferrell was born in Fort Gaines, Georgia on June 28, 1935 to parents William M. Gay and Lottie (Best) Gay. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother William M. Gay Jr., and sisters Ruth Linger and Jimmie Peebles.
In 1954, Ferrell graduated from Clay County (GA) High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served 3 ½ years as a radar technician with tours in Mississippi, Florida, Europe, and North Africa. After discharge he attended Pensacola, Fla. Jr. College and the University of Florida, graduating in 1962 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Ferrell was employed at Cape Kennedy from 1962-1970. During this time he served as a Flight Test Engineer and was part of the launch team that launched Apollo 11, the first manned mission to the moon. In 1970, Ferrell and his family moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he was employed for two years as Electrical Superintendent at the Johns-Manville fiberglass plant. He completed his career in 2001, retiring after serving many years as a Project Engineer at CF Industries. During his time at CF, he and his family resided in Winter Haven and Lakeland.
Ferrell is survived by his daughters Laura Gagne (Gerry), Valerie Dusenbury, and Alison Moss (Jay); son Perry Gay (Keva) of Logansport, IN; grandsons Riley, Liam, Evan and Finley Gay of Logansport; grandsons Daniel Heath (Amanda), Dustin Dusenbury, and Hunter Moss of Auburndale/Lakeland; granddaughters Abbey Moss and Nichole Gagne (Liz) of Lakeland; great-grandsons Aiden and Jacob Heath; great-granddaughters Myah and Hailey Heath, all of Auburndale; and his brave and loyal dog Gus, who protected Ferrell from harm for many years.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 10-11:30AM, followed by funeral service at 11:30AM at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Serenity Gardens Chapel.
Burial will take place at Serenity Gardens following the funeral service.
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