Odie Mercer Gay, Jr. was born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 29, 1923. He was the youngest child born to Odie Mercer Gay and Janetta Ford Gay. He played football at Booker T. Washington High School. There, he developed a life-long love for the game. He would later play semi-professional football for a local Negro team, the Brown Bombers. A documentary commemorating the achievements of members of this team later aired on a local TV station.

After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Brehon. During World War II, he served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge, he worked at various jobs, finally studying and landing a job at Birshtein Studios, a furniture and interior design center, where his creativity flourished. Later, he worked for the U. S. Postal Service until his retirement.

A third-generation member of the Historic First Baptist Church, he joined the Boy Scouts as a child; eventually earning The Order of the Arrow sash. As an adult, he served as assistant scout leader and later, scout leader. He took many young men on their first camping experiences to Camp Panther Landing. In the 1960's, he became a Deacon, and rose to Chairman of the Deacon Board during his tenure.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, his sisters and his wife Mary. He is survived by a daughter, Irene Clark (Wesley), and four sons: Odie III, Karlton, Errol (Norma Jean), Brehon (Crystal), and a host of grand, great-grand children and other relatives and special friends. Two adopted daughters, Bernice Plumber and Alice Haynes also called him Dad.

He spent his later years gardening, watching football games and talking with friends and family members during visits. On Tuesday, August 26, 2014 he went home to be with the Lord. He was 91 years old.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Bute Street. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held from 12-2pm Monday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.