Delbert Proctor Gay, 94, of Raleigh went to his new home in Heaven August 24, 2023. He was born October 27, 1928, in Bailey, NC and was one of six children born to the late Margaret Alice Glover Gayand Irving Proctor Gay. While he was growing up, his family lived in Zebulon, Wendell and Knightdaleand he graduated from Knightdale High School in 1945. Delbert enlisted in the Army Air Forces at the age of 18 where he served in World War II. He later enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 1952 and served in the Korean War.

Delbert ended a very long career (40 years) working as a conductor for CSX Railroad. He started with the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad/Amtrak working on both freight and passenger trains. He met some famous people including singer and songwriter Gregg Allman. In addition, he was a Real EstateBroker/Realtor and owner of Gay Realty Company. In 2017, he was awarded Realtor Emeritus status by the National Association of Realtors for his 40 years of contribution to the industry and his community.

He also worked with the US Postal Service (during temporary layoffs from the railroad) and owned a gas station and various properties. Most importantly, his daughters Deborah and Carol say he absolutelywas the best Dad! Delbert was generous, patient, wise, great at math, finances, and business and took care of his family. He loved his railroad buddies, his neighbors, working in his yard, and going to the beach and mountains. His wife Margaret of 55 years, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,brothers and sisters and their spouses, cousins, nieces and nephews were so important to him.

Delbert is survived by his two daughters Deborah Prickett (David), Carol Ellison (Wes); four grandchildren Dr. Lenzy Stephenson, Taylor Stephenson (Laura), Sarah McCullough (Ikeem), GraysonPrickett (Rebekah); and two great grandchildren sisters Penelope and Aurora McCullough. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Joan Gay, brother-in-law Harold Wilson (Patsy), and sister-in-law Judy Wilson and many nieces and nephews.

Delbert was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Helen Wilson Gay. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Earl Gay (Ruth) and Jimmy Gay and sisters Ida Rue Perry (Marion "M. B."), Janet Burchette, and Louise G. Hauser.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 30th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with the chapel service starting at 11:00 followed by a family graveside military burial all at the Montlawn Memorial Park located at 2911 S. Wilmington St. Raleigh. Flowers or memorial donations to North Raleigh Ministries located at 9650 Strickland Road, Suite 16, Raleigh, NC 27615 are welcome. The family wishes to thank the doctors,
nurses, and staff at the UNC Rex Hospital and the Raleigh ProMedica Hospice Team for their excellent care.