Dr. Albert Gay's funeral procession passed by the Fayette County Courthouse as the county's flag flies half-staff in his honor shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday in a solemn procession to the Washington Cemetery for his burial. ADVOCATE PHOTO/DEREK MYERS
The county said their final farewells to a county coroner who died unexpectedly on Wednesday.
Fayette County Coroner Dr. Albert Gay was laid to rest in the Washington Cemetery Monday afternoon after a solemn ceremony held at the Crossroads Church on Halliday Drive.
Gay, 53, died unexpectedly at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus following complications with his cardiovascular system.
Gay, who was appointed Fayette County’s coroner on February 7, 2002, was admitted to the Fayette County Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department on Saturday after reportedly experiencing complications with his heart.
He was later transferred to Mount Carmel West in Columbus where he was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure related to the complications.
“We are saddened by the sudden death of Dr. Gay. Our hearts ache for Mary and the extended family,” said Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth. “Dr. Gay was a fine example of a public servant. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by the community.”
Fayette County Clerk of Courts Evelyn Pentzer said that Gay was a wonderful person for the community.
“I was so saddened and was at a loss for words when I learned of Dr. Gay’s passing,” said Fayette County Clerk of Courts Evelyn Pentzer. “He was a great Doctor, coroner, and a wonderful person all around. He will be greatly missed.”
Dr. Albert Gay
Gay was first appointed as county coroner on February 7, 2002 after Dr. Ralph Gebhart resigned due to an ongoing medical battle.
Gay received a degree in engineering from Abilene Christian University and his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Gay was board certified for family practice and did his residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Dayton, where he was chief resident.
He was an Air Force veteran.
The Fayette County Commissioners appointed Dr. Lenora Fitton as acting county coroner in the emergency meeting that was held at the Fayette County Court of Common Pleas.
Fitton — who owns her own pediatric practice — was the county’s deputy coroner for two years before being sworn in as acting coroner Wednesday afternoon at the Fayette County Courthouse.
Dr. Lenora Fitton
“As I spent more time with Dr. Gay, he showed me the ropes,” said Fitton. “We would help each other out when one of us was out of town.”
Fitton said that Gay was a very knowledgeable person who cared about the community he served.
“He was an amazing man and he was very kindliness. He had a nice balance to his practice and he was an overall gentleman in our community,” she said. “He was very supportive of Fayette County and he took his job as coroner and physician very seriously.”
Fitton — who attended Oklahoma State and completed her residency in Columbus at Doctors Hospital and Nationwide Children’s — has lived in Fayette County since 2003 and owns ABC Pediatrics.
She will remain acting county coroner until the Fayette County Republican Central Committee can hold a special meeting to appoint someone to fill Gay’s remaining unexpired term, which expires January 1, 2017.