Ralph L. “Butch” Gay
Ralph L. ‘Butch’ Gay, age 69, of Silvis, IL, died on Sunday, September 20, 2020 in his home. He was born on October 2, 1950 in Quincy, IL the son of John & Ella (Stewart) Gay.
Butch worked for International Harvester Farmall for many years until its closing. Butch was also a barber in the East Moline area for over 40 years. He served in the United States Army.
Butch enjoyed and was an avid softball, darts, pool and golf player.
He is survived by:
HIS FIANCE: Nanette Walden
CHILDREN: Tarica Gay (Darnell Mitchell); Jennifer Ray-Jones (Chioke Jones); Marqueisha Gay (Michael Cross).
STEP-CHILDREN: Frederick Horskins, Jr.; Addidas Williams and Dominique Waldon
GRANDCHILDREN: Ashlie Gay, Aquayia Phillips, Jaydah Mitchell, Jeremiah Grandberry and Kayson Mallek;
GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Joshua Lilly and Alahna Lilly
SIBLINGS: John Lee Gay (Harriett), James Edward Gay, Richard Eugene Gay (Evelyn) William Augusta Gay (Marla) and Gregory Gay (Ruby)
Numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Johnamae Williams, Rosemary Holder, Charles Allen Gay, Ronald Wayne Gay and Robert Stewart Gay.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Cemetery of the Illinois Veterans Home. Military rites to be conducted at the cemetery by the American Legion Post #37 and the Illinois National Guard Honor Detail. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.
To the Gay family I’m so sorry for your loss Butch was a great guy I’m praying for the family
To the family of Butch, I will miss all the energy he gave when you were in his presence, his smile,his laugh will greatly be missed. Even though we weren’t officially family anymore he still called me cuz. To his family I send my condolences and prayers. He is and will be greatly missed.
RIH Uncle Butch. I’m sorry I missed your call when I was at work a couple weeks ago. I’ll miss you man, you was my only true Uncle that actually treated me like a person. Say hi to my grandma and aunt for me, please.
These seems so sudden. So many memories of travel to softball and basketball games. Butch was a free spirit. Our prayers go out to your family. You will be missed.
Love and Prayers to the Gay family. Sorry for your loss. Dian and Dade Family.
I am so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing! I remember his kindness, smile and laughter whenever I think of him. He will truly be missed. My deepest condolences and Prayers for your loss.
So sorry to hear of Butch’s sudden passing, seen him last month at his barber shop, getting a hair cut, he was a great person that will be really missed, my sincere condolences to all his family,
My deepest and sincere condolences to the Gay family. Praying for continued strength through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Naenae my prayers for you and all of the family.
So very sorry for your loss from all friends at Jim’s Knoxville Tap. We always loved when Butch came out to Knoxville with his pool or dart teams. Jim lit up when he seen Butch come in. He was truly one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
To The Gay Family: So sorry for your loss of your brother Butch, Shot darts with him and know his brother Billy and Marla well. He truly was a great guy. Deepest Sympathy Gunny & David Muse
I am so sorry to hear of Butch’s passing. My prayers and condolences to his family.
My deepest condolences on this great loss, not just to a family but to a community. Mr. Butch, as I knew you from a young kid playing softball with my dad, rest in power. My prayers are with you all ❤️
RIP. You will be greatly missed.
Butch was a pillar in the East Moline community. Praying for the family. We will miss him.
I will miss you, my friend and next door neighbor. We shared a lot of laughs and tears over the last 49 years.
RIH Butch you were always a good friend and told it like it was. Some of my favorite memories took place in your barber shop. You’re much more than just my barber. You’ll be greatly missed. From the Venegas family we will miss you.
I was so sorry to hear about Butch. He was always so full of life. Please know you are all in my prayers. Butch will be missed by many.
Butch…while we will miss the joy you always bring, we’ll never forget your bigger than life spirit. To all the family know that Butch knew he was loved by you the same way he loved being with all of you. God, thanks for a life full of laughter and fellowship. RIP my brother.
I am sorry for your loss Gay Family. Our prayers are with you all.
Uncle Bucth you will be greatly missed glad we had a chance to talk last Wednesday. RIP! ❤️❤️
My heart and prayers go out to the entire Gay family. Butch was the life of the party wherever there was a party and a true Icon in the Quad Cities. He use to cut my son’s hair when he was young. He will truly be missed. Much love.
I really enjoyed our talks when you cut my hair. Your presence will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace
We love and miss you Butch. Rest in power dear brother. I will miss especially our yearly calls on your birthday. You would keep me up to date on the family and the hood. You made sure I checked in when I would come to town. You and my sister always was there for me. I hate that your both gone.
Sorry for your loss