On August 7, 2025, Jimmy Floyd Lay (age 78) passed peacefully to his heavenly home. He died in the hospital in Athens, GA after a 9-month battle with MDS.

He was born on April 28, 1947 in Milton, FL. He started his career in the lab at American Cyanamid in his early 20's and left there in 2001 as the Environmental Manager. During that time, he completed his bachelor’s degree from University of West Florida. In 2001, he moved his family to Eugene, OR where he worked for Georgia Pacific as an environmental engineer for 8 years. His job included travel to locations in Canada, Oregon, California and Wyoming, and it was during that time he developed a love for exploring new places and hiking. He was transferred to the Atlanta area in 2009. He was happy to be back in the South again.

He retired in 2017 and moved to Athens, GA. In his early years he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his brothers and nephews. Of all the places Jimmy traveled to, his favorite place to be was at Navarre Beach surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man of great faith and for his gift of encouragement and spirit of generosity. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy in life was his 4 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nora and Bliss Lay, his brothers: Eugene Lay, Ray Lay, and Bill Lay, and sisters: Sybil Chavers and Mary Fairey.

He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 39 years, Patty Thompson Lay, daughter, Katrina Lay Bretz (Joel) of Navarre, FL, son, Darren Lay (Andra) of Pace, FL, daughter, Whitney Lay Cutler (Sam) of Bogart GA, 2 grandsons: Chandler Lay and Quin Cutler, 2 granddaughters: Bliss Cutler and Isla Cutler, 2 brothers: Holly Lay and Bob Lay, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of life will be planned in Milton, FL at a later date.

The staff of Central Cremation Services is honored to be selected to provide end-of-life services for the family of Jimmy Floyd Lay.

(If you order flowers, you must obtain a delivery address from a family member. Please do not send flowers to the crematory)