Gay L. Webb

Gay Webb, 89, of Cosby, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024. Gay was the youngest son of Matilda “Tildy” Jenkins Webb and Dewey “Zack” Webb. He was born on July 31, 1934, after the family had been relocated out of what is now the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gay joined the Air Force at 17 by lying about his age because he wanted to see the world, and he was tired of milking cows. He was proud to serve his country during the Korean War. He traveled overseas, serving in China, Japan, and the Philippines, and finished his service stationed in Texas. After hitchhiking home, he finished his high school education at Cosby High. He then worked for 15 years at American Enka. In 1963, Gay married Louise “Floss” Costner. In 1972, Gay opened Wilton Springs Hardware on Wilton Springs Road, on the family farm. The store sold hardware, but also groceries, general supplies, and gas, where a gallon cost about 30 cents. Floss opened a beauty shop attached to the store, and the couple, along with their two children, lived in an apartment around back. After Floss’s death in 1997, Gay decided to retire, and his son, Mitchell, along with his family, moved from Knoxville to take over the store in 2000. The store celebrated 50 years in 2022. Gay was an avid traveler and hiker during his retirement. He traveled solo to Australia, Ireland, Italy, China, Costa Rica, and Panama. He was also a very active hiker in the East TN area, and well into his 80s was still hiking 10 to 12 miles a day. He hiked most of the local trails, and his favorite was the Mount Cammerer/White Rock trail. He was incredibly passionate about conservation and preservation of local trails, creeks, and rivers, especially the Pigeon River. He was instrumental in the cleanup of the Pigeon River. Gay was part of the Dead Pigeon River Council, Appalachian Environmental League, and Keep Cocke County Beautiful, and served for several years on the board of the Cherokee National Forest. He was very proud of his work to clean up the river, traveling to Nashville several times to petition the governor, and other members of state government. In 2019, he received the Love Where You Live award from the state of Tennessee. He was glad to see all the tourism because of the river, and was very happy when eagles returned to the area. He was also involved in preserving the Rankin Bottoms area on Douglas Lake. Gay enjoyed being involved in local government, eating out, and watching UT sports, and the Braves. He loved being involved in his community, and was very proud of where he lived. He was also a very proud grandfather, and loved to introduce people to his favorite granddaughter/ grandson, leaving out that he only had one of each. Gay was delighted to learn that a great-grandchild is on the way, and that Baby Webb will be joining the family in February of next year. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise “Floss” Costner Webb; parents, Matilda and Dewey Webb; sister and brother-in-law Reva Dean and W.J. Bryant; brother-in-law Kenny Sutton; and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Dorothy Webb; and sister-in-law and husband, Lois Costner and Sunny Presnell. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Sonya Webb; granddaughter, Emily Webb; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Nathan and Kelsey Webb; daughter, Susan Webb; sister, Ida Sutton; brothers-in-law, Gene (Patty) Costner and Freddy (Ann) Costner; sister-in-law, Lola (Bobby) Parks; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brad Jones, for his faithful care, Sonya Hance and staff, and to the staff at Morristown Hamblen Hospital. The family will receive friends 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Manes Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. in the Manes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Webb Family Cemetery in Newport, TN. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Gay L. Webb

July 31, 1934 - July 26, 2024