Richard Bernie Lay, 76, of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, formerly of Whitesboro, was called to his eternal home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Richard was born on June 22, 1948, in Memphis, Tennessee to Bernie and Gladys Swift Lay. He married the love of his life, Judy Lay, on August 12, 1978. From Tennessee to Mississippi, Texas to Arkansas they built a life and a family based on faith and love. He was a loved and respected football coach and teacher for 42 years where he touched the lives of countless coaches, teachers, athletes, and students with his wisdom, wit, and faith in Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his daughter, Megan Ferrell and husband, Jeramy; daughter Kristi Moore and husband, James; daughter, Elizabeth Delaney and husband, Tom; grandchildren Matthew Mitchell, Devon Mitchell, Alyssa Whitaker, Ayden Ferrell, and Alexandra Delaney.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Ann Lay, son, Joshua Richard Lay, parents, Bernie and Gladys Lay, his brother, Donald Lay and sister, Dorothy Jones.
Graveside services honoring Richard will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday June 19, 2025 at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro, Texas, officiated by, Rev. Michael Burns. No formal visitation is planned.
I had always hoped to meet you one day. You raised a wonderful daughter who has saved my life more than once. God bless you all!
We love and will miss you Uncle Richard. We did not visit nor keep in touch very often through the years. As you and I have discussed, this did not diminish our love for each other. I’m so glad we got to visit last January. I can only imagine the LAY reunion in Heaven! There will be prayers for comfort and peace for those of us here on earth until we meet again. 🙏❤️
In the few months we have known Richard, it only was a short time before you just knew how wonderful a person he is.
Laughs and stories shared are endless. Bruiser his dog buddy and golf are just a few.
His love for his family always showed as well as for his wife Judy.
Richard… as one of your pro golfers would say,
“Just pick up the ball and say thank you”
You will be missed by many including us
We met the first day of Little League Baseball practice. We were 10-11 (1958) and playing for Bernie Lay. Your dad sponsored the team and my dad was one of our coaches. From that season on, we played football, basketball, ran track, and baseball throughout our senior year. (1966) Always hunting or fishing. Many double dates to the Poplar Bluff Drive Inn. Riding bikes and just having fun growing up.
I will miss you my friend.