Richard Harris Gay

April 9, 1954 - September 24, 2020

Richard Harris Gay, 66, of Groves, died Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. He was born on April 9, 1954, to Martha Louise West Gay and R.D. Gay, in Beaumont. Richard was an accomplished professional bass player with the Methodist Maniacs at Trinity United Methodist Church. He was an avid fan of college and professional football. His personality was very welcoming and embraced all that loved him. Richard spent 43 years with Giglio Distributors.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Gay; mother, Martha Louise Gay of Beaumont; daughter, Jennifer Bratkowski and her husband, William, of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Ronnie Gary and his wife, Linda, of Arizona; granddaughter, Brianna Bratkowski; nephews, Bryan Gary and Matthew Gary.

He is preceded in death by his father, R. D. Gay.

His cremation arrangements will be held through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123; or to the Ben and Julie Rogers Cancer Institute, 3555 Stagg Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

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Lisa Blake

I worked on and off with Richard for the last 20 years. He was always professional, yet jovial. He was always friendly regardless of what life threw at him. Richard, you will be sorely missed my friend. Rest In Peace.

Scott Rand

You will be missed and remembered with fondness. Goodbye friend.

David Frank

Richard Gay was a most remarkable man. Remarkable people challenge and inspire. They show what is possible when talent meets discipline. Truly remarkable people make a deep and lasting impression. They change the world, just by being themselves. That was the Richard Gay I knew. I met Richard back in 1976 when we both worked for Gulf Coast Coors. Coors Brewing Company had just expanded into the rest of the State and Richard joined the sales team in July/August of '76. Later Richard worked in the uniform industry but we joined up again in 1983 in beer sales when he joined G & H Distributing.........which later became Gideon Distributing. We were friends who golfed together, played tennis against each other, hunted deer in Junction and went fishing when we could. Richard was never limited by fear. Remarkable people feel fear, but they recognize this as an internal barrier rather than an absolute limit. An internal impulse, greater even than fear, drives them. The Richard Gay I knew had strong values. It may be a passion for justice, or a commitment to truth. Remarkable people, like Richard, overcome limiting factors, such as fear, by pursuing what they value most. It’s as if they have an internal compass that forever points them in the direction they must go. The Richard Gay I knew had a sense of purpose. Remarkable people, like Richard, know that they are here for a reason—and not just any reason. Their lives are not lived in a haphazard way. They are determined to accomplish something in the time that they have, and they can tell you exactly what it is. The Richard Gay I knew had that ability to connect with others. Remarkable people, like Richard, cut through small-talk. Their passion and energy comes through, even in casual conversation. They are good listeners. They have a range on interests and experience that enables them to connect with a wide variety of people. The Richard Gay I knew didn't recognize failure. Remarkable people, like Richard, have setbacks. They make mistakes. Things don’t always work out as planned. But while some people would see these unpleasant events as failures, remarkable people see them as a necessary component of their life’s work. As a result, they are undaunted where others might conclude that the way forward is impossible. The Richard Gay I knew didn't recognize the word "impossible" Remarkable people, like Richard, have a mental attitude that says “I can.” They know that changing society is a matter of human will, and that very few things are written in stone. They don’t accept the rationalizations and objections which are placed in the way of change. They know that human will can sweep away the obstacles, and they live their lives as if to prove it. The Richard Gay I always knew had that ability on how to make a deep and lasting impression. He changed the world , just by being Richard Gay. As you also know, Richard was a most remarkable man. My deepest condolences to the Family on his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

David Frank

Richard Gay was a most remarkable man. Remarkable people challenge and inspire. They show what is possible when talent meets discipline. Truly remarkable people make a deep and lasting impression. They change the world, just by being themselves. That was the Richard Gay I knew. I met Richard back in 1976 when we both worked for Gulf Coast Coors. Coors Brewing Company had just expanded into the rest of the State and Richard joined the sales team in July/August of '76. Later Richard worked in the uniform industry but we joined up again in 1983 in beer sales when he joined G & H Distributing.........which later became Gideon Distributing. We were friends who golfed together, played tennis against each other, hunted deer in Junction and went fishing when we could. Richard was never limited by fear. Remarkable people feel fear, but they recognize this as an internal barrier rather than an absolute limit. An internal impulse, greater even than fear, drives them. The Richard Gay I knew had strong values. It may be a passion for justice, or a commitment to truth. Remarkable people, like Richard, overcome limiting factors, such as fear, by pursuing what they value most. It’s as if they have an internal compass that forever points them in the direction they must go. The Richard Gay I knew had a sense of purpose. Remarkable people, like Richard, know that they are here for a reason—and not just any reason. Their lives are not lived in a haphazard way. They are determined to accomplish something in the time that they have, and they can tell you exactly what it is. The Richard Gay I knew had that ability to connect with others. Remarkable people, like Richard, cut through small-talk. Their passion and energy comes through, even in casual conversation. They are good listeners. They have a range on interests and experience that enables them to connect with a wide variety of people. The Richard Gay I knew didn't recognize failure. Remarkable people, like Richard, have setbacks. They make mistakes. Things don’t always work out as planned. But while some people would see these unpleasant events as failures, remarkable people see them as a necessary component of their life’s work. As a result, they are undaunted where others might conclude that the way forward is impossible. The Richard Gay I knew didn't recognize the word "impossible" Remarkable people, like Richard, have a mental attitude that says “I can.” They know that changing society is a matter of human will, and that very few things are written in stone. They don’t accept the rationalizations and objections which are placed in the way of change. They know that human will can sweep away the obstacles, and they live their lives as if to prove it. The Richard Gay I always knew had that ability on how to make a deep and lasting impression. He changed the world , just by being Richard Gay. As you also know, Richard was a most remarkable man. My deepest condolences to the Family on his passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

David Frank

(substitute for first comment...................dates are different and should read 1976)

Paul and Sheila Brock

Prayers to the family..

Shirley Phillips

I am so sorry to hear this. Martha you are in my prayers and I am here for you as you were for me. Cherish the good memories, Rest in Peace, Richard.

Stephanie Turner Garcia

Martha, I am so sorry for your loss of Richard, He was always so happy and had a joke to make you laugh. When He would come over at Holidays with Linda and Ronnie He and Momma (Snookie) would joke with each other all the time. He never met a stranger, he had a huge personality and a warm smile. He will be missed in this World, He was one of the good ones. My prayers are with you Martha and the Family.

Jerry Taucer

I knew Richard through Rodeo activities. One of the sponsor's of the Professional Rodeo was Coors Beer. Locally, Richard worked for Gideon Distributing. At the time, I was active in the YMBL and was the contact for the Rodeos and Bull Rides we put on for the public. Richard was constantly on top of our needs, even going beyond with his ability to anticipate. He was my friend and a remarkable professional. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.

Carol & Cathy (from Dr Bhatts office)

Ms Martha, so sorry about Richard. He was always such a nice guy,, and always a pleasure to visit with. We'll miss him. We're praying for you and the family. Sincerely, Carol & Cathy

Dan Rogas

Prayers for the family.

Claire.Hale Gilbert

Rick was my cousin. Many good memories of cousin fun when we were kids. Prayers for Aunt Lou, Martha, and family.

Sonny Tunstall

Great person, loyal to his employer and customers. Always talked about his friends. Much loved guy. Me included.

Jessie L Bowie Jr

Richard was my classmate at Beaumont High School class of 1972. He was my teammate on the 1971 21-4A co -champion football team. He was all district on that team.. I worked with him at Gateway Shopping Center . one summer.. Richard was always a loyal friend.. He made class reunions so memorable. He was so much fun. I last saw him at my mom's funeral in 2013 and he was the same Richard.. My condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Richard. "Ever Loyal".

Carrie Swan Rollings

I always remember Ricky being such a hoot and smiling, Fond memories. Love and Prayers for Aunt Lou, Martha, family and friends.