BENTON — On November 05,
2020, Marvin L. Gay, went home to his Heavenly Father. He was a loving husband, Dad, Papaw, and friend. His personality was one of a kind; he was joyful, ornery, generous, humble, and intelligent. He was loved by so many. Marvin was born to the late Marvin J. and Julia “Lois” Gay, on September 3, 1934, in Heber Springs. After graduating from Benton High School, in 1953, he went on to become a US Army Veteran, 42 year employee of Alcoa, and real estate enthusiast. An entrepreneur at heart, he also ran several small businesses. His greatest accomplishment was his family. He married the love of his life, Pattye, on October 8, 1983, who remained by his side until the end. He was incredibly proud of his son, Mark and his family; and loved Pattye’s children and their families, as if they were his own. He and Pattye treasured spending time with their large family and would brag about their grandkids to anyone who asked.
Marvin was an active member of First Baptist Church of Benton, where he served on multiple committees. He was unashamed of sharing his Christian faith and was involved with The Gideons International. Marvin was a social butterfly and valued his community, serving as Constable, Alderman, and Volunteer Fireman in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He poured countless hours into volunteering in and around the Benton area, most recently with Habitat for Humanity of Saline County. Marvin loved and was a long-time supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and local youth sports. For many years, you could find him at Bud Walton Arena, at any given time during basketball season. He and Pattye loved to travel across the country together, and they especially enjoyed spending his birthday each year in Branson.
He is survived by his wife, Pattye, of the home. His son, Mark (Kathy) Gay of Cave Springs, step-children, Buddy (Susan) Eoff and Amanda (Don) Godwin of Benton, Belinda (David) Henley of Lake Limestone, Texas, and Sheila White of Guntersville, Ala; his grandkids, Sara (Sam) Meyer, of Springdale, Tyler Gay of Fayetteville, Adam (Megan) Eoff of Benton, Austin (Shelby) Eoff of West Lafayette, Ind., Bryan (Lorie) Godwin of Bryant, Kristyna Gleghorn of Galveston, Texas, Karlee Gleghorn and David Henley of San Diego, Calif., and Luke Henley of North Newton, Kan; and five precious great-grandchildren, Maverick and Merritt Meyer, Sawyer Eoff, and Brayden and Lawson Godwin. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jessie Mae McGahhey and Marie Caldwell.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, at The First Baptist Church in Benton, with burial in Rose Bud, Ark. Ministers will be Dr. Rick Grant and Rev. Johnny Harp. Pallbearers: Tyler Gay, Adam Eoff, Austin Eoff, Sam Meyer, Kent Greer, Kelly Greer, and Bryan Godwin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Benton. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com