Othel H. Gay, 83, of Rock Island, passed away peacefully Monday November 27, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be 10:00am Saturday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 9:00am to service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Pinehill Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa.

Mr. Othel W. H. Gay was born on October 6, 1940, in Allport, Arkansas, to the parents of Willie and Lillian Gay.  He attended Gartrell High School in England, Arkansas.  He met the love of his life Betty J. Allen and moved to Chicago IL, in 1960 and in 1974 they moved to the Quad Cities. They have been married for 63 years.  To this union was 12 children and prior to this union, he was the father of one daughter.  Othel professed Christ at a early age and after moving to the Quad Cities, he joined Gethsemane COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Reid where he served on the Brotherhood committee. He later attended Harvest Time Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor James Lee and House of Lord Mission under the leadership of Pastor Maxwell, of Davenport Iowa.

Othel worked for City of Davenport, Rock Island Project Now Senior Center and Caterpillar where he retired after 30 years.

Othel loved working and using his God-Given talents including carpentry. He was the owner of Buck's Appliance where he loved fixing and working on washing machines and dryers for not only his family, but the entire quad city community. Othel had a great love for his family activities especially his children and grandchildren sporting events. He loved watching them play sports especially basketball and wrestling.  He was known as his son's best friend and a great provider for his family.

Othel will be fondly remembered for his outspoken words and his unwavering commitment and love to his family, the many Six Flags trips and family gatherings.

Othel is survived by his loving wife Betty, his children: Agnolia Beatrice Gay (Little Rock, AR.); Donald Gay, Ronald Gay, Sandra Gay, Gerald Gay, Othel Jr. (Robin) Gay, Fredrick Gay, Nikki Gay, Marcus Gay all of Rock Island, IL, Linda Gay of Carbon Cliff, IL and Pamela (Curtis) Seales of Davenport IA; 65 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild which is a total of 159.  His siblings: Johnnie Gay, Barbara Brooks, Velma (David) Parks, Rosemary Reed, and Rickey (Tanyetta) Gay; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, 14 lovely in-laws and friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, daughter (Debbie Gay), son (William Gay), grandson (Tiray Hickman) siblings; Gloria Montgomery, Charles Gay, James Gay, Famie Gay, sister-in-law Pearlie Brand and Shirley Gay.