Richard G. Gay

Richard G. Gay, 79, passed away October 3, 2009, at his home in Helen, Georgia. Mr. Gay was born February 13, 1930, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Wendell M. and Helen Ursula Gehr Gay. He attended Elder High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He continued his education at the University of Omaha and graduated in 1963. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Driver Gay of Helen; son, Richard Jr. & his wife Becky Savage Gay & their children Richard Nathaniel Gay, Aislinn McCoin & Emily Elizabeth Gay; Daughter, Catherine Gay Cleiman & her son Marshall Cole Cleiman. Sisters Florence Giaccio, Ruth Ludwig, brother Robert Gay He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Theodore M. Gay; Richard served in the United States Army for 20 years and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars earning many awards to include both the Bronze and Silver Stars. In 1971, he retired to Georgia with his wife Barbara, son Richard, and daughter Catherine to be a farmer in Hollywood, Georgia and quickly became immersed in the community. He became part owner and manager of the Helendorf Inn in Helen, Georgia in 1974 and remained in that position for the next 36 years. He was active in Knights of Columbus at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Cleveland & Clarkesville Lions Club. While at the Helendorf, Richard supported the community through his involvement in the Helen Chamber of Commerce, Helen Planning Design & Review Board, Helen Downtown Development Authority, Schindau, Helen Volunteer Fire Department. A Funeral Mass will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday October 6, 2009 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at barrettfh.com. Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland,