Roy Lee Lay

Roy Lee "R.L." Lay, 57, of Goshen, died Thursday morning, May 17, 2012, at IU Health Goshen Hospital where he had been since Sunday. He had been in failing health the past year. He was born February 13, 1955 in Jellico, Tennessee, to the late Walter Lay and Barbara Jean (Waller) Lay Chitwood. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Beth Lay of Elkhart and Reba (Clyde) Stickler of Goshen; two sons, Stewart (Melissa) Lay of Shipshewana and John (Sherry) Brockleman of Goshen; six grandchildren, Brooklyn, Conner, Brandon, Cody, Jake and Nicholas; two brothers, Vernon (Brenda) Lay and Dudley (JoAnn) Lay, both of Goshen; and three sisters, April Chitwood of Mishawaka, Donna (Randy) Burkholder and Teresa Burkholder, both of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his longtime partner and companion, the love of his life, Thelma Neal. A US Army veteran, Mr. Lay worked as maintenance manager for many years at Supreme. He had also worked at Starcraft and Western Rubber. He enjoyed collecting muscle cars and classic cars. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, being with his family and enjoying their times together. He described himself as "just an ol' hillbilly from Tennessee". Friends may call 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. There will be no services but in accordance with R.L.'s wishes, his body will be cremated at Yoder-Culp Crematory.