Jimmy Gene Lay
Jimmy Gene Lay, 88, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on April 6, 2024, in the arms of his wife and children while listening to the original score of his favorite movie, The Maltese Falcon, which he frequently viewed as a child at The Cherokee Theatre, located on the main street in LaFollette, Tn.
He was born in LaFollette, in 1935, to Esco and Ada (Pennington) Lay, along with big sister Sammie Lynn. He attended LaFollette High School before studying at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He then transferred to East Tennessee State College, then received his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in 1959.
Jimmy joined the Air Force, where he trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Tx.. He was later stationed in Rammstein, Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall, serving from 1959-1963. Upon his return to the States, he worked at Provident Life & Accident Company as a manager for Information Systems for 30 years. He was instrumental in establishing computer technology at this international corporation, ushering in the Information Age.
It was at Tech where Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Diane Arnold of Wartrace, TN, while trying to make a call in a phone booth. She caught his eye, and the two were inseparable from then on. Excited to finally start their new lives together, the two were married March 21,1964 in Shelbyville, TN. Jim is survived by Pat and their son, James Allen (Jay) Lay of Los Angeles, CA, his three children Emmelyne, Rosie and Phoenix; and by their daughter Katherine Elizabeth Lay (Miller) of Nashville, TN and her three children Jackson, Isaac and Kenzie. He is also survived by his niece, Cindi Treece Corbin of Brighton, MI. Jim and Pat had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together just a couple of weeks before his passing.
Jimmy will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of random trivia, love of golf and fishing, and mostly his devoted loyalty to Tennessee Volunteer football, being a Lifetime Season Ticket Holder. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “Touchdown Tennessee!” one more time in harmony with the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, parent, and grandparent, and we will miss our Poppa every day. He fiercely protected his family and made sure his loved ones never had a need unmet.
Information regarding his celebration of life and formal service will be coming shortly and will be held this summer when family and friends from across the nation can convene together in love and grace. For inquiries, please reach out directly to Lane Funeral Home at 423 877-3524.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.
Jimmy Gene Lay