Gay Fred Angel, 84, passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, surrounded by his family at Mission Hospital.
A native of Madison County, he was the son of the late Ben and Zona Angel. He was preceded in death by a brother, Guy Angel.
Gay was a lifelong farmer. He was passionate about his farm and family. Many local farmers would seek him out for advice. Gay graduated from Mars Hill High School in 1954. In 1957, he graduated from Warren Wilson College with an Associates in Arts degree. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Tech in 1958 with a major in Agricultural Science. In addition to farming, Gay retired from Champion International after 38 years of service.
Gay was a loyal deacon at Antioch Baptist Church. He faithfully served the congregation and loved singing in the choir. Gay was a quiet man but expressed his love for others through music and acts of service.
Gay is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Polly McElroy Angel; one daughter, Tara Angel Pratt, and her husband, Dr. Kris Pratt, of Fletcher; and two wonderful granddaughters, Lenore and Emeline Pratt. He is also survived by his sister, Fay Galloway, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Wilmoth officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to: Antioch Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 542 Iron Duff Road, Waynesville, NC 28785.
The care of Mr. Angel has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Waynesville and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.
