Alan Bernard Gay

Alan Bernard Gay Sr., of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born on August 11, 1965, in Boston, Massachusetts, Alan was the beloved son of the late Harry and Mary Gay. He attended Henry Grew Elementary School (grades 1–5), William Barton Rogers Middle School (grades 6–8), and Hyde Park High School, where he graduated in 1984. He spent most of his life in Boston and Texas, where he was a member of One Community Church, before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia three years ago, where he resided with his devoted wife, Patricia Perry-Gay.

Alan was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He touched countless lives with his kindness, strength, and unmistakable sense of humor—Al never met a stranger. Alan got his first job at the young age of 14 at McDonald’s, and there was no stopping him after that. One of the things he always instilled in his children was strong morals and values: if you want something, work hard for it.

When he was younger, Alan loved attending concerts at the Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Run-DMC was one of his favorite groups. He also had a love for Cadillacs and formed a crew known as the “Cadillac Posse,” where all his friends shared that same passion. At the age of 18, Alan began his career with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, where he worked diligently for many years before retiring in 2009 after 26 years of service. He was deeply respected for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment. After retirement, Alan embraced life—traveling, wearing his favorite sports jerseys, returning home for the holidays, spending time with his best friends Clearence McLaurin and Hillary Rose, and frying turkeys for friends. He lived life to the fullest, unapologetically.

Alan had a lifelong passion for fishing, which began during summer trips to Cape Cod with his family. He found peace and joy by the water and carried that love throughout his life, teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, cooking, grilling, sharing meals, engaging on social media, riding his motorcycle, and listening to oldies but goodies and old-school reggae. Most importantly, he cherished spending quality time with his loved ones. If you knew Alan, you knew his favorite sayings: “Big Al’s fresh, never frozen” and “family over everything.” His love for riding led him to become a proud member of Ebony Wheels of Boston, where friendships became family.

He will be remembered for the love he gave so freely, the wisdom he shared, and the laughter he brought into every room.

Alan is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Perry-Gay. He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children and grandchildren: Shatoya Gay (Milton) and their children Joshua Gay, Kaiden Corbin, and Mia Corbin of Massachusetts; Bianca Gay (Kevin) and their children Shawn Murphy, Jah’Nya Cormier, and Jakari Cormier of Texas; Shanté Graves (Cory) and their children Jeremiah Alexander, Amiya Graves, and Nyla Graves of Texas; Shateya Gay and her children Jaylin Pryor, Jorden Pryor, Jayce Pryor, and Jaxson Brandon of Massachusetts; Alexus Harris (Jahrad) and their children Quincy Harris and Carter Harris of Texas; Alan Gay III of Texas; and Aaleya Gay of Texas.

He is also survived by his siblings: Angela Releford of Georgia, Harold Gay (Tammy) of Florida, Reginald Gay of Massachusetts, Harriette Rose (Tyrone) of Massachusetts, and Harry “June” Gay (Teresa) of North Carolina; his brother-in-law, Oliver Perry Jr. of Massachusetts; and his father-in-law, Oliver Perry Sr. of Massachusetts, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rupert Washington and Walter Washington; and his paternal grandmother, Elvenia Gay ;his parents, Harry and Mary Gay; his beloved son, Alan Gay Jr and his brother, Wayne Gay; his dear friends Kenneth “Kenny” Mumford and Adam Nezbeth.

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

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