Fraker – It is with great sadness that the family of Roman Gabriel (Gabe) Lay, announce his sudden passing on June 3, 2025. Gabe graduated from Roane County High School in 2003 and then joined Youth With a Mission in Nashville which included street evangelizing and living and ministering in Malaysia. In 2010, Gabe attended Peak Technical Institute in Loveland, Colorado for UXO Global DOD Explosives Training. His career as an Unexploded Ordinance Technician rocketed from there taking him 22 places around the world including Guam, Alaska and Hawaii. For the last 14 years, Gabe was passionate about his job in the UXO industry and was stationed in Nevada at the time of his passing.

Everyone who knew Gabe knew how much he loved sports – especially the Tennessee Vols. He was an avid fan of both basketball and football and enjoyed watching all of the games. Gabe will always be remembered for the joy and laughter he brought into all of our lives. From his notorious “air drums” to his pranks, quick wit and catch phrases, people were always in stitches around him. He cultivated all of his relationships and had many lifelong friends. Gabe had an intense love for the Lord and constantly studied, always wanting to learn more and grow deeper. His number one desire on this earth was to hear the voice of God and we believe he stepped into his new eternal life when he heard God speak his name.

Gabe was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Bobbie Long. He is survived by his Father, Greg Lay and Terri, his Mother, Angela Nelson and Ron, his siblings: Sarah McGill, Ashely and Zach Johnson, Kayla Lay and David Beardsley, Nick and Brittany Lay, Elijah and Elizabeth Lay, Sierra Lay, and Caden Lay. His paternal grandparents, J.E. and Mary Beth Lay, and Arizona and Willis Thistle. There is also a great host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. We can’t forget to mention his favorite little buddy, Maverick.

Services will be held at Fraker Funeral Home in Kingston, TN. Date and time are yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be sent to Fraker Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses.

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is honored to serve the family of Roman Gabriel Lay.