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Celebrating the life of

Chris Gay

Passed away on May 12, 2025

Chris Gay

Chris Lane Gay, 63, of Pooler, GA, died Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. Joseph’s hospital.

He was born in Savannah, GA to the late Joe W, Sr., and Nita Morris Gay. He was raised in Pooler, a member of the Savannah Christian Preparatory School Class of 1979, and pursued a career in the retail grocery business. Chris was a member of Rothwell Baptist Church and attended Garden City First Baptist Church.

Chris’s heart and compassion for others was as big as the “big boy” chairs he declared he must sit in. Once he realized there was a physical, financial, or spiritual need he was your biggest supporter and cheerleader. He was the family ‘baby whisperer.”  New babies loved to be held and comforted by Chris’s special touch. He was a large presence at any gathering and was a gifted storyteller and comedian. Everyone who knew Chris had a story with him. Finally, Chris was the biggest UGA football fan, watching a game with Chris was to experience football at its finest.

Chris began his career in the grocery industry at the Garden City Piggly Wiggly, he was an integral part of the development of the Red and White Food Stores in Savannah, owned the Midtown Market on 37th Street in Savannah and owned and operated the Claxton Supermarket, and FoodFresh of Claxton, GA. Chris became a dedicated member of the Claxton community through his support of the Chamber of Commerce. Chris served on the Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for over 25 years. He was a three term Chamber President and was instrumental in the formation of the Chamber Junior Board. Chris also served on the Claxton Downtown Development Authority, the Georgia Food Industry Association and was a past member of Claxton Rotary.

He was a founding member of the Evans Region College and Career Academy Board of Directors. 

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Buddy Holt, his second mother, Beth Jones, several aunts and uncles, and niece, Kim Gay. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lisa Holt Gay, sons, J. Michael Gay and Cory Lane Gay, brothers, Joey Gay (Terri) , Danny Gay (Dianne), Marty Gay (Dana) and sister, Tonya Hillis (Jay), mother-in-law, June Holt, sister-in-law, Leslie Dettore (Vince), brothers-in-law, Chuck Holt, Christopher Holt (Christy Nelson), aunts Ouida Sutton and Dorothy Collins and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Additionally, he leaves behind his adopted family, Edd Jones, Cathy and Mike Royal, Mike and Vanessa Jones, Rebecca and Richard Schmidt, Mitchell and Terri Jones and their respective families.

Finally, Chris will be missed by a host of employees who knew they could always depend on “Mr. Chris”.

Visitation will be held at Strickland Funeral Home of Pooler GA on Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Services will be held on Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 AM at Rothwell Baptist Church, 216 Rothwell Avenue, Pooler, GA. The Reverend Tommy Dukes of Garden City First Baptist officiating. Chris’s nephews will serve as pallbearers.

In the spirit of Chris’s big heart, the family ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Evans County C.A.R.E.S. organization, P.O. Box 186, Claxton, GA 30417 or Ferst Readers Childhood Literacy Program, P.O. Box 852, Claxton, GA 30417.  

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Heart felt sympathy he will truly be missed. He was a good man. My former boss

- Renata Byrd , Claxton , Georgia

A candle has been lit!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Chris was such a gift to Evans County. God blessed our community through him. He will be greatly missed.

- Kathryn Daniel, Claxton , Georgia

He will Be missed as much as he was loved which was infinitely. Chris was the best of the best.

- Glenda Antosh , Claxton , Ga

Ryan is truly heartbroken by this news. Chris was such a great support of his. He has always been patient and understanding with anything that Ryan needed. Please accept our condolences and prayers.

- Roger and Ryan Patrick and family , Claxton , Georgia

My 3 sons and I are forever greatful and blessed to have known and worked for Chris. A true gentleman and friend. Love ya Mr. Chris

- Ronda, Jeremy,Matt, and Tyler, Claxton, Ga

Lisa, I am so sorry. Chris was an asset to humanity. What a tragic loss.

- Craig Gradick , Sandy springs , Ga

We will miss seeing your face in the Food Fresh you are always so kind and working hard for your community. You were always sweet to my children and that's something a person doesn't forget. I hope you are resting peacefully and know that you will be missed.

- The Loves , Claxton , Georgia

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Delores Ellis, Savannah, GEORGIA

Tears came to my eyes when I read about Chris' homecoming. Truly a great man and friend. My prayers are with his family.

- Ken Sharpe, Colquitt , Georgia

Chris was a warm hearted man. He taught me a lot in my younger years. We are grieved and pray for Lisa and the family in this great loss.

- David Nelson, Richmond Hill, Ga.

Chris was truly a great man always nice when I made deliveries at the Red &White. Prayers to the family and may Chris rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ .

- Mike Thomas, Savannah, GA

I remember Chris as always having a big smile and happy heart. The first time I met him and his lovely wife they greeted me with hugs that made me feel like they had missed me and were so happy that I was there. Thanks for making an impact in such a beautiful way, in my life.

- Carrie Sasnett and family , Orlando , Fl

I offer condolences to the family. I worked with Chris while working for SuperValu. He was a pleasure to know and enjoyed working with him. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

- Dana Houston, Gainesville, Ga

Praying for you all during this difficult time. May your happy memories give you all peace and comfort during this challenging time.

- Mandy Massey , Claxton, GA

Our deepest condolences to you and your family on such a tragic loss. May he rest in peace

- The Most Family, Savannah, GA

Mr. Chris was one of the best men I have ever known. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. I looked up to him as a father figure and respected him as one as well. I would look forward to one of those heart felt hugs when entering/leaving Food Fresh. Always a smile on his face and loved my kids as well. He will be missed so very much. Sending lots of prayers for his family.

- Kyndell & Mark Taylor, Claxtn, Ga

Tonya we are sending condolences to you and the family. Love always Pat McIntosh

- Patricia McIntosh, Savannah , Ga

We will miss you Chris, it want be the same not seeing you and the talks we had about the families. My condolences to all your love ones and family.

- Larry and Lydia Luke, Pembroke , Georgia

Chris and i worked together at piggly wiggly in garden city back in his high school days Chris is a nice person i cant beleive he has passed away i pray that God will wrap his arms around his family and comfort them Lisa im so sorry to hear about Chris ill be praying for yall love ya

- Anthony Bunch, springfield, ga

Chuck and family, please know you are all in my prayers.

- Nan Manucy Lawson, Savannah, Ga

Chris was my brother in every sense of the word except blood. I scarcely remember a time when he was not part of our family. Chris was always quick to laugh and good with the one liners. I always knew I could count on him and he always supported me . Chris , I love you and will miss you.

- Rebecca Schmidt , Snellville , Ga

Marty and family, I am so sorry to hear about Chris. I have such wonderful memories of us growing up together on Cliff Drive. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Susan Simmons Payne, Swainsboro, Georgia

Our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to you Lisa, and all who loved Chris. He was an exceptional man and it was an honor to have known him. Our Love and prayers are extended to you and will be with you in the coming weeks.

- Kenny Hill-Wright & Butch Wright, Nashville , Tennessee

Our hearts and prayers are with your family during your time of loss. We were so blessed to have met Chris many years ago. What a wonderful man of God. Blessings of peace and love to you all!

- Glenna and Ray Hendrickson (Lisa’s cousin), Fayetteville , NC

I'm sorry for ur loss Mr Chris will be missed by so many people may he rest in peace love ya Mr Chris going to miss u

- Angel Williams, Claxton, Ga

I thought the world of Chriss. He was always so kind.

- Virginia DeLoach, Garden City,, Ga.

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200

  • Funeral Service
  • 11:00 a.m. on Thu, May 15, 2025
  • Rothwell Baptist Church
  • (map)
    Pooler GA