John Allen Lay, Jr.

John "Johnny" Allen Lay, Jr. peacefully passed away on June 20, 2023, joining the eternal embrace of the Lord. A visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Friday, June 30, 2023, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

He was born on May 22, 1956, in San Antonio, Texas, to loving parents John Allen Lay, Sr. and Dorothy Lay. Growing up in Del City, Oklahoma, John's passion for football flourished, and he proudly graduated from Crooked Oak High School. Following his graduation, John answered the call of duty and served in the United States Army from January 26, 1974, until January 25,1977, while stationed in Germany. Upon his return, he found his home in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he planted deep roots.

From 1982 to 2003, John served with dedication and honor in the Army National Guard. He contributed his skills and expertise to Production Machine & Tool in Wichita Falls, working there from October 28, 1995, until September 29, 2011. Later, he joined the team at Victory Machine in Waco, Texas, starting on October 10, 2011, until the time of his passing. It was in Waco that John's path crossed with Ashley, the woman who would become the love of his life.

On October 10, 2014, John and Ashley exchanged vows, uniting their lives in marriage. Together, they embarked on a journey as a team, eagerly embracing the dream of starting a family. Their hearts were filled with joy when they welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world on February 15, 2015, named Kolten. Kolten was the light of John's life, and their bond was unbreakable. Wherever John went, Kolten was beside him, especially during baseball games and sporting events. John had an unwavering passion for little league baseball and was a devoted sports fan.

While his heart belonged to the Boomer Sooner (OU) in college football, John also followed the Baylor Bears. He cheered passionately for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL and proudly supported the Texas Rangers in baseball. John's collection of MLB baseball caps was a testament to his love for the sport, with one notable exception—no New York Yankees cap could be found. The void left by John's departure will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He was a good-hearted man with a remarkable sense of humor, leaving behind memories that will forever be cherished.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Allen Lay, Sr., and his brother, William Boyd Lay. Left to carry forward his zest for life and to hold his memory dear are his beloved wife, Ashley Lay; his son, Kolten Lay; his mother, Dorothy; his sisters, Sharon Brooks and Erna Sines; his mother-in-law, Valerie Haynes; his father-in-law, Arthur Haynes Jr.; as well as numerous cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Their lives have been touched by John's enduring spirit and passion, which will continue to resonate through the years.