Obituary for Robert Alan “Bob”Lay:
Robert Alan “Bob” Lay was born May 24, 1956 in McKenzie, Tennessee to Ronald Arthur Lay, Sr. and Shirley Bridges Lay. He passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Monday, August 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida.
He attended Newark Central High School in Newark, New York. He played Football in Newark High School, where he also received an award from the Football Activity Director of Athletics. He graduated in the Class of 1974.
Bob joined the United States Navy in 1974, making a career as an Aviation Electrician. His first duty station was at VC-5 Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Philippines (1975). This was followed by VC-3NAS North Island, AIMD NAS Cecil Field, VA-86 NAS Cecil Field and VF-45 NAS Key West. He made Sailor of the Year at the VF-45 Squadron in 1987 and made Chief Petty Officer in 1989. Bob was also stationed at VFA-137, Claw-1 / Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Fleet. He became a Senior Chief – Aviation Electrician. Bob’s last duty station was at VFA-136 NAS Cecil Field. He retired in 1998. He served his country for 24 years.
Bob worked for Freedom Expedited Services starting in 1998 and eventually retiring in 2019.
Bob loved life and his family very much. He had a great passion for cooking and baking desserts and enjoyed serving his tasty creations to family and friends. He enjoyed listening to the oldies music, watching football, being a world traveler, learning different cultures and fine dining. He was an avid coffee cup and magnet collector, which he loved showing his collections to his friends and family. Within the last 10 years, he found a new sport he loved: golfing.
Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mila Lay, of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter, Elaine Lay, of Jacksonville; parents, Ronald Lay of Ohio and Shirley Lay of Colorado; sisters Cathy Hill of Kansas, Sandy Martin of Kansas, Alisa Jo Sherbeck of Missouri and Cyndi Lacefield of Alabama; and brother, Randy Smith, of Arizona. His older brother, Ronald Lay, Jr. was laid to rest March 14, 2014. Also, he is fondly loved by his in-laws, many nieces and nephews and their children.
A Military memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 on October 4, 2021 at 1:30 pm.
A reception after the memorial service will be held at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center, 283 College Drive Orange Park, Florida 32065 in Bob’s honor.
Visitation Details
None
Service Details
1:30 PM Monday, October 4, 2021
Jacksonville National Cemetery 4083 Lannie Road Jacksonville, FL 32218
Pat Zachman
October 14, 2022, 8:00 am
I haven’t meet Bob, I heard a lot of good character he has, I know his wife, Mila at Medtronic both of them are always in my heart so with their daughter Elaine, very very good family.
Romeo Camangyan(Brother)
October 14, 2022, 8:01 am
Bob was a fine man in every way possible. He and enjoyed swapping recipes. He was an excellent cook and knew how to plea
Sarah Williams(wifes former coworker)
October 14, 2022, 8:01 am
Robert Bob Lay, the Camangyan family will always remember your kindness. Thank you for being there for us. You will truly be missed.
Alisa Jo Sherbeck (Sister)
October 14, 2022, 8:02 am
Some days I still struggle with knowing you are gone probably will for years to come. What will I do without you I mean, who is going to make me tiramisu or spaghetti squash to replace pasta Or Key Lime cheesecake Who is going to give me big brother advice I love you with my whole heart and am so thankful that I was BLESSED to have you. Give Ronnie a hug for me. I promise to make you both proud! I love you always, Alisa Jo
Elaine Lay (Daughter)
October 14, 2022, 8:02 am
This world is not the same without my Papa Bear in it. Daddy, I miss and love you so much. Purple you forever.
Mila Lay (Wife)
October 14, 2022, 8:02 am
My Honeybabe, I miss you every single day
Tom Ball (Shipmate)
October 14, 2022, 8:03 am
Always a calming presence in the squadron, a friend to all. Warm and wonderful man and patriot. Rest well in His Kingdom Bob.
Pat Zachman (Wife’s close friend)
October 14, 2022, 8:03 am
He had a very good life with his wife of 44 years. He will always be remembered. Prayers for all .