The communities of Sissonville and surrounding areas have lost a great man.
Okey Robert Hay, 81, went to be with his Heavenly Father July 8, 2008. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Okey was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Erma Hay, and sisters, Alice Moore and Genevieve Elmore.
Okey was born April 18, 1927 in Cicerone, WV. He was graduated the valedictorian of Walton High School in 1944. He attended Kansas State University. Okey retired in 1989 from Union Carbide after 23 years of service. He was also a retired Major from the United States Army and National Guard, serving his country for 23 years. Okey was a devoted member and Chairman of the Deacon Board at Crossroads Community Church.
Okey is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Carol Lee. He was also the proud father of 2 sons, Michael and wife Janice of Sissonville; Joseph and wife Lynne of Souderton, PA; one daughter, Susie and husband Donald Jones of League City, TX. Okey and Carol were blessed with their beloved grandchildren, Jennifer, Emily and Lindsay Hay; Donald Jones, II and wife Stevie, Kara Jones, and Michael and Jordan Hay. Okey leaves behind 3 sisters, Mildred Shafer of Cassellberry, FL; Buelah Rhodes of Gandeville and Thelma Jackson of Elkview.
A service will be held to honor his life and celebrate the Lord at Crossroads Community Church on Friday, July 11th at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, July 10th between 6-8 PM at the church. Burial will follow the Friday service with military honors at Floral Hills Cemetery on Sissonville Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Crossroads Community Church, Martins Branch Road, Sissonville, WV 25320.
The family would like to thank Hospice Care and all of our family and church friends for their loving support while Okey courageously battled his disease. Okey loved the Lord, life, church, his wife, his children and especially his grandchildren. Okey could always be counted on to help out a friend, of whom he had many. He also loved nature, hunting and of course, his beagles. His courage and will to live was an inspiration to all who knew him. Long and Fisher Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On line condolences may be sent to longfisherfuneralhome.com