Homer A. Gay

     On the 24th day of May, 1958, the spirit of Homer Ambrose Gay was called home from service to reward, thus ending some 48 years labor in the Master's vineyard. His leaving was a sad occasion, and he is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

     The story of Homer A. Gay begins in Yelville, Ark. Nov. 19, 1894. He was the son of John and Margeret Gay, being the youngest of 10 children. At a very early age his parents made the long move from Arkansas to Texas, finally settling in west Texas around Ft. McKavitt. His mother died while he was yet young, thus leaving him to share and shoulder many responsibilities unknown to many children his age.

     His religious background consisted mainly of teachings from the Baptist denomination. But in 1910 he heard his first gospel sermon from a Bro. D. L. Pettie, who was then engaged in a meeting at Ft. McKavitt. For the first time in his life, he learned of his duty to God, and before the meeting closed he confessed Christ and was baptized. Because of a lack of adequate leadership, he was soon called upon to shoulder a great amount of the work in his home congregation. This soon led to teaching, and eventually to preaching. Preachers were few then, and he was gladly welcomed by all faithful congregations. Before long, even before he realized it, he was going from place to place preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

     On April 4, 1922 Bro. Gay was united in marriage to Susie Hanley of Brady, Texas. To this union two children were born, Luvilla, and Homer A. Jr. For the next four years Bro. Gay made his home in Brady, but in 1926 he moved to Eden, Tex. After living there for some time he moved to Eola, Tex., and from there in 1934 to Lebanon, Mo. where he resided, with the exception of a year or two, until 1957 when he moved to Dallas. At the time of his death he was serving as an elder of the Denley Dr. Church of Christ, Dallas, TX.

     Bro. Gay was an outstanding writer. His first article appeared in the Apostolic Way in 1918. During his lifetime his writings also appeared regularly in The Truth published by H. C. Harper and the Old Paths Advocate published by Homer L. King. Bro. Gay served as editor of the O.P.A. from about 1932 until his death. He was also the author of several tracts and pamphlets, including The Spirit of Christ, published by the Apostolic Way, Building A Christian Home, The Communion, The Class Question, The Inside of the Cup, and possibly others.

     Although he wasn't considered primarily a debater, he participated in many. Among them Gay-Wolf "The Kingdom" 1912, Gay-Jones "Wine Question" 1939, and Gay-Hines "The Class Question" 1948.

     His education, in addition to public schools, consisted of some training at Gunter Bible College, and Abilene Christian College.

     The greater part of his life was spent in the evangelistic field. While his health permitted it he held around 18 gospel meetings a year. His preaching was confined mainly to the great Southwest. However, he preached in some 18 to 20 states and was instrumental in leading hundreds to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.

     His funeral was conducted by Bro. Homer L. King, assisted by Bro. Fred Kirbo, and this writer. A large crowd was present, including many preachers, and brethren from afar to pay their last respects to this man of God. Bro. Gay was a kindly man with many friends and admirers. His quiet, humble manner, and quick Irish wit set him aside from all others. Truly there was but one Homer Gay.

     We of this present generation owe much to Bro. Gay. He has left us a glorious heritage. He stemmed the tide of digression, and said "No" to the many innovations that troubled spiritual Zion. He worked hard and earnestly for the Cause he believed to be right. Eternity alone will reveal all the good done by him. He was, indeed, A GOOD SOLDIER.