Johnnie E. Lay – born July 21, 1920, passed away January 9, 2016 at the age of 95. He was a World War II Veteran and the owner and operator of Lay’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service for 65 years. Johnnie served as a Union County Deputy under ex-sheriff, Paul Hill and was one of the founders of the Union County Rescue Squad. Johnnie was not perfect, but forgiven and believed in the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Lay; parents, Oscar and Ida (Monroe) Lay; infant daughter, Mary Catherine; brother, Hubert Lay; sisters, Inez Beeler, Edna Seals and Edith Kitts; and Geneva Lay, the mother of his five children.

Johnnie is survived by daughters, Gail (Glenn) O’Dell, and Brenda Lay; sons, Larry (Brenda) Lay and E. J. (Cathy) Lay; grandchildren, Glenn, Lance, Johnny and Dusty Lay, Chris and Scott Tolliver and Danielle Donahue; great-grandchildren, Jerica, Alec, Austin, Aidan, Allie and Presley Lay, Raley and Addison Tolliver, Peyton Keck and Emma Donahue; and sister, Nell Hamilton.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2016 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 8:00 p.m. with Reverend Ray Headrick officiating. Family and friends will meet at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2016 and proceed in procession to Pleasant View Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. interment. Memorial donations may be made to Paulette Volunteer Fire Department, 451 Hwy. 61 W, Maynardville, TN 37807 or the charity of your choice. Trinity Funeral Home, LLC, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Johnnie Lay. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net