William McKinley Gay, 87, passed away Sunday December 25, 2022 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville. He was the son of the late Sherman Jr. and Ida Locker Gay. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Garfield, Hoover, Eddie Gay and two sisters, Nona Elizabeth and Carol Jean Gay.

McKinley retired from Whirlpool / Matsushita. He was passionate about his hobby of farming and taking care of the land. He was also talented at wood working. He enjoyed watching UK and Garrard County High School football and basketball. McKinley received the WHIR radio station sportsmanship award and All State Honorable Mention as a high school football player. He served in the United States Navy reserves for 8 years.

McKinley was a member of Lancaster Baptist Church and was a charter member of Hedgeville Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and leader of Royal Ambassators.  He gave his body to the University of Kentucky Hospital for research.

Surviving is his loving wife, Daisy Greer Gay; three daughters, Jeannie Gay Galloway, Sharon (Perry) Cooper, and Teresa (Marvin) Welch; a son, William Thomas (Kimberly) Gay; grandchildren, Erin (Daniel) Wilson, Angela Cooper, Carissa (Clay) Frishkorn, Sarah Welch, and Zachary Thomas Gay; great grandchildren, Samuel David Wilson, Timothy Caleb Wilson, Harper Lily Frishkorn, Maxwell Cooper Frishkorn.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday December 29, 2022 at Spurlin Funeral Home with Dr. Daniel Wilson and Bro. Matthew Cooke officiating.

Visitation will be 11:00 am until service time.