Dr. Harry W. Gay

Dr. Harry W. Gay Jr. passed from this earthly life to his eternal home on July 3, 2013. He was born in Montgomery, West Virginia to Harry W. Gay and Mary Suzie Massey Gay. The beautiful scenery of the Mountaineer State has always held an important place in his heart. Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. until service time at Rocky Hill United Methodist Church in Louisville, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Rocky Hill on Sunday, July 7, with Rev. Larry Haggard and Rev. Scarlett Shepperd officiating. Dr. Gay graduated from the West Virginia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He worked for several years with a chemical company in West Virginia. However, music had always been his calling, such that he made the decision to return to school, receiving a Master of Music degree in Organ performance and a Master of Music degree in Sacred Music from Indiana University. He continued his education by graduating from Indiana University summa cum laude with the first Doctor of Music in Organ Performance degree issued in the United States and a Doctor of Sacred Music degree. He also earned a Doctor of Theology in Practical Theology degree, a Doctor of Divinity degree, and a Ph. D. of Philosophy in Biblical Studies degree. He served as organist/choirmaster at Old Stone Church and Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Buntyn Presbyterian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. He joined the faculty of the University of Memphis as a professor of organ and sacred music and served as the Director of Graduate Studies for several years. He retired to Louisville, Mississippi, where he taught music privately, taught at Winston Academy, and served as local pastor of the Sturgis-Big Creek United Methodist Churches for eight years. He has been published in numerous music magazines, authored the book Four French Organists, was an accomplished composer, and can be heard on numerous recordings. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Fulton Gay; son, Hugh Gay (Angela); daughter, Mary Margaret Crowson (Josh); and two granddaughters, Morgan Gay and Cara Crowson. Memorials may be made to Rocky Hill United Methodist Church, c/o Albert Moore, 389 Rocky Hill Road, Louisville, MS 39339. Arrangements are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 N. Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Harry W. Gay

December 1, 1925 - July 3, 2013

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Dr. Harry W. Gay

December 1, 1925 - July 3, 2013

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification