Norton, VA- Gary Kennith Hay, age 65, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014 at his residence. Born in Dickenson County, he was a son of the late Silas C. and Euna Edwards Hay. He was a 1969 HHS graduate, former chief of Police in Haysi, former coal miner and retired as a Dickenson County school bus driver after 25 years of service. He was a member of Haysi Kiwanis club, he was voted as Kiwanian of the year in 2004. Gary was also a member of Dickenson Co. Fair Committee, Haysi Autumn Fest, former member of HHS Band Boosters, Haysi Fire Dept. and was a member of Sandlick Primitive Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Fletcher, a brother, Robert “Bob” O’quinn, a brother-in-law, J.C. Fletcher and a special sister-in-law Linda Hay.
Survivors include a son Kenny (Brandy) Hay of Abingdon, a granddaughter, Natalie Paige Hay of Abingdon, special friend, companion, caregiver, fiancé and the love of his life, Sylvia Christine Peterson, three brothers, Charles Hay of Haysi, Darrell (Jean) O’quinn and James O’quinn both of Bee, special friend, Cheryl McArthur and several nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Haysi Funeral Home with Elders Price Viers, Jim O’quinn and Roger Rose officiating. Burial will follow in A.J. Edwards Cemetery, Birchleaf, VA. Pallbearers will be members of Haysi Kiwanis club. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Yates and nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with an evening service at 7:00 p.m. with Elders Shawn Dotson and Jim Duty officiating. Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral.com Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.