Robert Chester "Bobby" Gay, 83, of Patterson, died Friday December 25, 2020 at his residence.

He was born April 18, 1937 in Alapaha, GA to the late Fred Gay and the late Clara Mathis Gay. He was a professional country music singer who traveled for over 50 years and was inducted into the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame. He toured all over the United States, Japan, South Korea and Germany. He had a #1 record in 1959 called "Let's Dance" and won the Air Force Tops Blues Award in 1956. He was an Air Force veteran, served in the Korean Conflict and also worked for NASA. He was preceded in death by his wife: Jo Ann Howard Gay and was also preceded in death by a brother; Terrell Gay.

He is survived by his daughter: Alla Mae (Jim) Hickox of Hoboken; son: Bobby (Regina) Gay, Jr of Patterson; 2 sisters: Alvieta "Veda" Kennedy of Tifton and Betty Jean Maine of Nashville; 6 grandchildren: Korey (Nancy) White, Dylan Hickox, Jimmy (Maranda) Hickox, Zach Hickox, Chyan Blankenship and Quinton Blankenship; 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 29, 2020 at 2 PM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Rowell officiating. Interment will follow in the Fletcher Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday one hour prior to the service.