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 Dr. Thomas Arthur Gay was bom in Sumter, SC to the late Eula and Acia Gay on November 21, 1942. Upon the early death of both of his parents, his maternal grandparents, Fannie Lou and Mack Ellerby, raised him. 
Dr. Gay was an outstanding role model during his youth. He achieved the status of Eagle Scout, and was very active at Emanuel Methodist Church in Sumter, SC. He excelled academically and held many leadership positions in both high school and college, graduating with honors from Lincoln High School in 1961, and from Clark College in Atlanta, GA in 1965. 
Dr. Gay affiliated with the US Navy in 1966 and went on to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. In 1968 while he was completing his medical school studies, Dr. Gay met and married Betty Jean Bunns. From this union came three children, Dionne, Cynthia, and Thomas II who were his greatest source of joy and pride. He graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 1970, and upon completing his internship at Freedmens Hospital in Washington, DC in 1971 served in the Navy as Medical Officer aboard the USS Austin and at the Boone Clinic in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Gay completed his residency in family practice at NRMC, Charleston, SC in 1976. 
 
 Dr. Gay affiliated with the Navy Reserves in 1979 and entered private practice, which he later shared with his daughter, Dr. Dionne Gay, and brother-in-law, John Bunns, Jr. He became an Assistant Professor at Howard University College of Medicine and the University of Virginia. Dr. Gay served as a mentor to a host of medical students and residents, nursing students, and physician assistant students. During the course of his medical career he received numerous awards and was named on many occasions as one of the "Top Ten Physicians" by The Washingtonian Magazine. 
Dr. Gay was very proud to serve his country in the United States Navy. He retired after 36 years of service on November 20, 2002 with the rank of Captain. He received various honors during his military career, including the National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Meritorious Service Award. 
Dr. Gay was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and an active member of First Baptist Church of Highland Park. He loved teaching, fishing, reading, and playing the drums. 
Dr. Gay passed on from this life on July 25, 2003 at the Prince Georges Hospital Center. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty; his three children, Dionne, Cynthia, and Thomas II; his brothers, Acia Jr. and Edward; his sister, Eula; one aunt, Fannie Ellerby (Maggie); one uncle, Jake Ellerby; sisters-in-law. Josephine Gay, Irish Gay, Sandra Bunns and Sadie Bunns; three brothers-inlaw, John Bunns, Jr., Thearthur Bunns and James Pearson; Mrs. Corene Davis, who considered him one of her own sons; and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, adoring office staff, patients, colleagues, and friends. 
 
 Serving as Pallbearers are some of Dr. Gays Nephews: Dennis Dunston Acia Gay, III Alphonzo Gay Demetrius Gay Derrick Gay Edward Gay Flower Bearers Men For Christ 
The family of Dr. Thomas Gay acknowledges with deep appreciation all acts of kindness extended to them during this time of bereavement. God bless you for all your thoughtfulness, concern and prayers. 
Professional Services Entrusted To: 
ROLLINS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 
4339 Hunt Place, N.E.