Buddy Lay, age 84, of Pensacola, FL passed away Sunday morning, January 13, 2019.  He was born on October 17, 1934 in Fairhope, AL. He was the beloved husband of Rose Marie Lay for 56 years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Smith and two brothers Johnny and Max Lay.

Mr. Lay is survived by his wife; sister, Becky Grimes and husband Bobby of Fairhope, Alabama; daughter, Melissa McCalman and husband Robert of Bradley, Arkansas; two sons, Michael Rawson and wife Vickie and Johnny Rawson both of Pensacola, Florida.  Grandchildren Joseph McCalman and wife Savannah, of Ivan, Louisiana, Katy Haight and husband Ryan of Avon, Colorado, China Rawson, Michael Rawson, Jr. of Pensacola, Florida and Joseph Benjamin Rawson.  Seven great grandchildren, Jade Rawson, Curt Ard, Jr., Kobe and Keelan Rawson, Kailee Lyles, Hagan and Sam McCalman.

Buddy retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service, most of which was as the Chief Radioman in a nuclear submarine. He volunteered several days a week for the Department of Veterans affairs from 2013 through 2018. Buddy loved people, especially his family and grandchildren which were very dear to him.  He was a faithful servant to the Lord, attended the Church of Christ and loved his church family and all his brothers and sisters in Christ.  His family is comforted by the knowledge that while he will be missed here, he is in his heavenly home until we see him again.

A Graveside Memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Bradley, AR with Mr. Adam Miller officiating.  Services will be under the direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home of Stamps, Arkansas.

On-line registration is available at www.aosmithfuneralhome.com