John Theo Lay (Jt) was born November 25, 1938 in Direct, Texas to parents Joseph Theo Lay and Edith Wilkerson Lay. On August 30, 2026 he passed on to his heavenly home after a year’s illness.

John graduated from Mesquite High School in 1957. He retired from Sear warehouse after 20 years. He was a member of New Heights Baptist Church in Wylie, Texas. His favorite pass times were fishing, bowling, and singing.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Martha Jane Lay; sons, John T. Lay, Jr. and wife Velvet Lay, Clint Lay and wife Crystal Lay; daughters, Virginia Allen and Melody Blackwell; sister, Norma Gillbreath and husband Lynn Gillbreath; grandchildren, Jesse Lay, Michaela Lay, Kaira Niedoba and husband Bryce Niedoba, Savannah Headrick, Lynse Headrick, Cheyanne Lay, Charles Allen and wife Samantha Allen, Taylor Allen, Abby Allen, and Landon Baker. He had many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Lay; mother, Edith Lay; sisters, Martha Qualls and Cathy Bunch; grandson, Craig Williams.