Arlie Jerome Lay, Jr., age 77, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Born on April 3, 1949, in Harlan, Kentucky, Arlie was the son of Arlie Jerome Lay, Sr. and Thelma Britton Noe Lay. He grew up in Harlan and graduated from Harlan High School in 1967. Following graduation, he began attending Southeast Community College, where he was introduced to the love of his life, Marilyn Jeanette Damron, who was studying nursing. Their relationship blossomed into a beautiful love story that would span more than 56 years and produce two children whom they adored, Jean and Arlie, III, ‘Tink’.

Arlie and Marilyn were married on May 28, 1970. The young couple moved to Richmond, Kentucky, where Marilyn worked at the hospital while Arlie continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University.

Their early years together took an unexpected turn when Arlie was drafted into the United States Army, becoming the last man from Harlan to be drafted. He proudly served his country for two years before returning home to Harlan, where he began a career in the coal mining industry that would span more than 18 years. When the mines closed, Arlie began a new chapter in life as a long-distance truck driver. Marilyn frequently joined him on his weeklong journeys, sharing more adventures and creating wonderful memories. 

Arlie also had a heart for serving his community. He proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Loyall Fire Department and was elected to two terms on the Loyall City Council. His service and contributions were further recognized through his distinction as a Kentucky Colonel. He was also honored to serve as an Honorary Page of the Kentucky House of Representatives during its 1960 Regular Session.

For Arlie, life with Marilyn was meant to be lived and enjoyed together. They shared a love for camping, the outdoors, working in their yard, and traveling wherever the road might lead. Over the years, they enjoyed an incredible 27 cruises together. For many years, they also made an annual tradition of pulling their camper to Walt Disney World, a place that became a large part of their family’s story and a source of countless happy memories.

Faith was also an important part of Arlie’s life. For more than 20 years, he was a faithful member of Elcomb Baptist Church. In more recent years, he found a church home at Immanuel Baptist Church, where he continued to worship, enjoy the fellowship of his church family, and grow under the leadership of Reverend Arnold Martin.

Arlie was truly one of a kind. With his larger-than-life personality, outgoing nature, and genuine love for people, he had a way of making his presence known wherever he went, especially at his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved conversation, enjoyed the company of others, and never seemed to meet a stranger. But above all else, Arlie was a family man.

His greatest joy was found in the people he loved. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the very light of his life. Affectionately known as "Grandad," to most everyone, Arlie treasured every moment spent with his family and friends. His love for his family was fierce, unwavering, and immeasurable. To be loved by Arlie was to know a love that was wholehearted and unconditional.

Arlie had an extraordinary zest for life. He loved living and loved the people who filled his life. Even as his strength began to fade, his determination never did. He fought courageously until the very end, holding tightly to the life he loved so dearly and the family he wasn’t ready to leave behind.

A man whose presence was larger than life, Arlie lived each day with a love for family, a passion for adventure, and a determination to make the most of every moment he was given.

His was a life well lived.

In addition to his parents, Arlie, Sr. and Thelma Lay, he is preceded in death by his sister, Judy Lay Curry Sanders; brothers-in-law, Tommy Curry and Jimmy Blanton; and his in-laws, John B. Damron and Lynn Lowe.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 56 years, Marilyn Jeanette Damron Lay; his two children, Jean Metcalfe and husband, Rob, of London, Kentucky, and Arlie ‘Tink’ Lay, III and wife, Stephanie, of Harlan; five beloved grandchildren, Philip Ely (Sammi Jo), Tyler Ely (Erica), Devin Lay (Nina), Justin Lay (Kimber), and Colin Lay; and six precious great-grandchildren, Isaac, Sam, and Titus Ely, and Claudia, Jamie, and Loretta Lay.

He is also survived by his sister, Arlene Blanton; along with his nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family members and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

Funeral services honoring the life of Arlie Jerome Lay, Jr. will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Loyall Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Reverend Arnold Martin will officiate.

Burial services will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Resthaven Cemetery with family members serving as pallbearers. Family and friends wishing to accompany Arlie in the funeral procession are asked to meet at Loyall Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Military Rites will be performed by the Harlan County Honor Guard.

Loyall Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Arlie Lay, Jr.