William "Bill" Ragan Gay

William (Bill) Ragan Gay, age 79 of Mount Sterling, Kentucky passed away at his residence on November 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born May 14, 1946, Bill was the cherished son of the late James Bigstaff and Martha Jean (Webb) Gay.

Bill spent his entire life in Montgomery County, where his contributions were felt both personally and professionally. He was an active member of Gateway Christian Church. Bill was a proud graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Education, beginning his career as a Physical Education teacher at Mt. Sterling Elementary School while coaching basketball for Mt. Sterling High School. Bill enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of basketball to the youth of Montgomery County. Later, Bill made a career change and joined long-time friend, Cecil Tuttle in sales for Intercollegiate College Press. His dedication to helping others (especially farmers) led him to serve as Loan Officer for Production Credit Association in Paris, Kentucky. Bill retired from Whitaker Bank as Vice President where he enjoyed helping others with their financial goals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill (like his mother) enjoyed playing golf with all his friends and taking golf trips with them to experience the challenging courses across the United States. Bill was a born farmer, loved raising cattle and spending time working the land. In addition, Bill was an avid hunter where he enjoyed the competition of a good hunt, often bragging about being the first one out of the field.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sue Ann (Highley) Gay, his son Jim Gay (Cheryl) of Mount Sterling, his daughter Beth Smiley (Jim) of Livonia, Michigan and four grandchildren; Laura Ragan and Harrison Gay of Mount Sterling; Lauren and Alison Smiley of Livonia, Michigan and one sister-in-law, Vicki Highley of Mount Sterling and two nieces, Jeanne (Faulkner) Lane, and Laura Gay Faulkner and one nephew, Malcolm Scott Highley and one great niece, several great nephews and great, great nephews, cousins and special friends, Kristen Stephens, Shawna Scott, and Liz Torshia.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Mary Francis Clemons (Chic), his mother and father in-law, Mac and Elizabeth Ann Highley and one brother in-law, Charles David Highley.

Funeral services will be held at Gateway Christian Church, located at 801 Winchester Road in Mt. Sterling on Tuesday, November 18th with visitation starting at 4:00 pm and concluding at 6:00 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following.

Bill's legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren and the countless lives he touched throughout his years. He will be deeply missed and forever treasured by all who knew him.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mt. Sterling High School Class of 1964 and their spouses, Connie and Eldon Depew, Susan Webb, Linda Spencer, Grover and Jack Carrington, Dr. Kelly Johnson, Brian Tuttle, Brent Blevins, and Tony Fritts.

In lieu of flowers, should you wish, the family asks that you donate to Gateway Christian Church P.O. Box 1069 Mt. Sterling, Kentucky 40353 in memory of Bill Gay.