Allyn Monroe Lay was born October 22, 1928 in Oneida, TN to loving parents Orange West and Arlie M. Lay. He departed this world to his Savior’s Kingdom on Sunday July 3, 2022 at the age of 93 years.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Orange West Lay and Arlie M. Lay, the love of his life for 64 yrs, Cynthia Cunningham Lay, his beloved brothers, William Lay of Hendersonville, TN, Robert Lay of Crossville, TN, Jack Lay of Oneida, TN, and a much-loved brother-in-law, Paul J. Cunningham of Galveston, TX.
He is survived by his sons Allyn M. Lay, Jr. (wife Linda) of Huntsville, TN and Knoxville, TN, John P. Lay of Mountain Home, Idaho, and daughter, Patricia Lay Gill (husband Brent) of Murfreesboro, TN; grandsons: Andrew Allyn Gill of Damascus, OR, Nicholas Blaine Gill of Knoxville, TN; brother John C. Lay of Oneida, TN and many nieces and nephews each of whom were immensely loved and cherished – TUWLYB (The Uncle Who Loved You Best).
Allyn graduated as a boarding student from Columbia Military Academy in 1946. He enjoyed his time in Columbia so much he was happy to later return and make it his permanent home. He went from CMA to Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN graduating with a degree in Agriculture in 1950. He was drafted into the army in 1950, and upon return in 1952 he attended the University of Louisville where he studied Business. He went to work for his father’s company, Cumberland Bedding Company in Somerset, KY where he met his future wife at the First Baptist Church. His compassion for helping people and his love of science led him to pursue his medical degree at the University of Tennessee Medical School where he graduated in 1962. Upon completion of his medical training, he and family moved to Maury County where he established his General Medicine practice in Mt. Pleasant, TN in partnership with John O. Williams, MD. He remained in General Practice until 1972 when he again was drawn to further his education at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA graduating in 1975. He and family returned once again to Maury County and to Columbia where he practiced Ophthalmology until he retired in 1990. He then lived the life of a retired gentleman, where he loved mowing, growing vegetables and maintaining his gentleman’s farm.
The family is very grateful to 5 very special ladies, Melissa Pullen, Angela Burgett, Sandra Knott, Renee Wiley and Kim Perry, who served as ministering angels by their care given to both Allyn and Cynthia Lay over the last several years.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 12:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Carson Memorial Park in Oneida, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to West End Baptist Church at 900 West 7th Street Columbia, TN 38401 or Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home at1310 Franklin Road, Brentwood, TN 37027. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
Psalm 91:Â 14-16
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.
