Obituary of William G. Gay
William G. Gay, Sr., lovingly known as “Bill” and “Grumpy”, age 80, of Channahon, passed away peacefully, December 22, 2022 at 6:17 p.m., at Lightways Hospice, with his loving daughter by his side.
Born July 8, 1942 in Joliet, he was the son of the late William and Anna (Long) Gay.
Bill grew up in Channahon and Joliet graduating from Joliet Central Class of 1960. After high school, he joined the Army to serve his Country. He worked at the Joliet Arsenal before settling in at Stepan Chemical where he retired from in 2005. He had many friendships there and really had some stories! He also tended bar at Stone City VFW where once again- he knew everyone! Once he retired, he then worked part time at Midwest valve in Minooka, where he enjoyed hanging out in the shop talking to all the guys- even when he was not working.
He certainly had the gift to gab, however his greatest thing to brag about were his five grandchildren. He was so proud of them and was not afraid to tell you. They each had their special moments with their “Paw”, and he did not miss much of whatever they were involved in. He also loved going on “casino roadtrips” with his brother, Bob.
Bill was someone who you always knew where you stood with him, and that pointer finger would come out to make sure you got it. He was a fighter and as a family we learned he was not a quitter over the last year which was something we were so proud of.
Surviving are his daughter, Georgette (Craig Siegel) Salazar of Minooka; five grandchildren, Olivia (Freddie Ramos) Salazar of Mount Prospect, Maximus Salazar of Minooka, Nikolas (Sarah Kelly) Holland of Reddick, William DeLucio of Reddick, and Logan DeLucio of Reddick; daughter in law, Trichelle (Russell) Mattas of Reddick; one sister, Harriet (the late Ed) Wicburg of Oceanside, CA; one brother, Robert A. (Colleen) Gray of Channahon; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill also had some wonderful friends who he considered family: Mary, Heather, Tammy, Jerry (aka “the newspaper”), Kevin, Rick and Virginia (aka Fred and Ethel) and his favorite granddog, Mavis. He always had special names for those closest to him, and that will be dearly missed.
He was preceded in death by his son, William “Billy” Delucio (2008); his parents; a sister, Judith Parks; and his best friend, Bernie.
Family would like to extend a big Thank you to Dr. Suh and Lightways Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness. It is truly amazing what kindness can do for the soul!!
Visitation for Bill Gay will be held Friday, December 30, 2022 from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road (at Essington Road) Joliet. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Willard Grove Cemetery, Channahon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.
For information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com
