Memorial Trees
R
Rod and Marie Olson
September 24, 2024
K
Kristian
September 23, 2024
Memorial trees planted for:
Gordon Clarence Fay, Jr.
<p>Gordon Clarence Fay, Jr. "Dixie Boy"</p><p>June 28, 1941 - September 22, 2024</p><p><br></p><p>Husband, Father, Dad, Daddy, Boca (Grandfather), Son, Friend, Lightfoot, Dixie Boy, Mekko, Gordon, Jr. These are just some of the titles held by the late Gordon Clarence Fay, Jr. Born on June 28, 1941, to Sibley and Gordon, Sr. Lightfoot entered this world in his home, on the dining table, no less. He grew up in the then swamps of Mobile, AL before entering the Marine Corps in 1959. Always a proud Marine, he said being a Marine changed how he saw people, but when the opportunity came, he was ready to take on civilian life and was honorably discharged in 1961.</p><p><br></p><p>In preparing to go into the insurance business following the path of Gordon, Sr., he moved to Atmore, AL where he began to put down roots and make an impact with the local native community. He spent time as a volunteer EMT and Fire Fighter. He was invaluable in bringing and instilling native culture to the Poarch Creek Indian tribe before their Federal Recognition, and even traveled with the kids on the “Pow Wow Trail” to reinforce connecting to native culture. This was the initial organization of the now Pow Wow Club. Although Pow Wows are part of western native culture, it was at a Pow Wow he met his wife, Angel of over three decades by pretending to have a flat tire, and the rest is history.</p><p><br></p><p>Lightfoot lived a very active life playing semi-professional baseball, tennis, stickball and was an avid University of Alabama football fan, and despised any team who ever beat Alabama, especially Auburn.</p><p><br></p><p>While waiting to start his career as an insurance salesman, he started working for Dixie Supply company. He knocked on his first door and announced that the “Dixie Man” was there and was quickly corrected that he looked more like a “Dixie Boy” and that name stuck. Dixie Boy had hundreds of customers across the Atmore, Flomaton and Century communities that he sold to door to door and “on time” for over 60 years before he retired. Over these decades customers became family. Alongside the door-to-door route, he ran Lightfoot’s Prints and Frames with his wife, Angel for many years. This small business took many forms over the years, from working out of a self-built shop on the property, being featured in hundreds of Walmart stores, to 6 Flea Market Booths, to a Crestview Storefront, to an Atmore Storefront until they closed that business in 2009 during the financial crisis. The door-to-door route remained active until 2021.</p><p><br></p><p>As a Mekko, Lightfoot led the Kvnfvske Ceremonial Grounds in Florida. Culture and tradition were always at the forefront of who he was and guided many decisions throughout his life. Throughout his 83 years of life, Lightfoot was known to be kind and loving to those in his circle and anyone he met and willing to help anyone who ever needed it. He never met a stranger and touched so many people in a positive way in his years on this earth. He was also known to be outspoken about topics and issues about which he cared a lot, and stubborn and steadfast in his views and opinions, never letting others or society influence him.</p><p><br></p><p>Lightfoot is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Angel Fay, his 5 children, Sandra Fay Thomas (John), Gordon “Tater” Fay (Jennifer), Cory Fay, Kristen Big Eagle, Treasure Fay Edwards (Kennard); his 9 grandchildren, Samantha, Lauren, Eli, Christopher (Cepane), Thunder (Tvnetke), Kaiden (Nokvsece), Calista, Kiona, Jasmine; and his 3 great grandchildren, Brody, Tazden and Taven. Dixie Boy is known by many others in the community as a father figure or family member, so he is also survived by his many, many bonus family members who love him. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon, Sr. (65), mother, Sibley (99), and Son, Travis (17).</p><p><br></p><p>Lightfoot passed away peacefully at home surrounded by many loved ones and will have a private traditional native burial. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5:30PM at Turner Funeral Chapel located at 83 Westbrook Lane Atmore, AL 36502. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend and celebrate the life of the one and only Dixie Boy. In lieu of flowers please consider potted plants or donating to the family $AngelFay.</p>June 28, 1941 - September 22, 202406/28/194109/22/2024
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