"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." - Psalm 116:15 KJV

It is with humble and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elder Sammie Lee Gay, 73, of Tallahassee, Florida, who departed this earthly life on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2026, at the TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE CHAPEL (850-942-1950).

Homegoing Services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Tillman of Tallahassee Chapel.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

Celebrating the Faithfulness and Service of...

Elder Sammie Lee Gay

Elder Sammie Lee Gay, also known as Sam, Samuel, and Sampson was born to Sammie Kelly and Ronnie Mae Gay Henderson Barron on August 16, 1952. On Sunday, June 1, 2026, Elder Sammie Lee Gay finished his earthly course and entered eternal rest. Both of his parents and siblings: Leroy Gay, Tommy Henderson, Jeannie Kelly and Michael Henderson, all preceded him in death.

Sammie attended church regularly at Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church as a young child, and as an older youth, Sammie Lee started attending St. Mary’s Primitive Baptist Church where he accepted the Lord into his life. After attending Watson Temple Church of God in Christ for some time, Sammie Lee was ordained to minister the word of God under the guidance of Elder Sheppard. Sammie Lee ministered the word of God from one church to another. He would often go to hear and/or preach the word of God. Sam’s latest membership was at Emmauel Full Gospel Church.

Sammie Lee attended the original Lincoln High School and graduated from Leon County High School. He also attended Tallahassee Community College for a couple of semesters. He worked several jobs and later retired as a Walmart employee.

Sammie Lee loved to dress, and he loved to travel. Sam would travel to Connecticut; Boston, Massachusetts; Detroit; New York and New Jersey to visit family quite often, and when he returned home, he would have some fresh clothes that he would wear. Sam often said, “People in Tallahassee didn’t know how to dress” that’s because he had been traveling around and noticed people in other cities and states dressed the way he like to dress.

Sammie Lee, a man that everyone loved, adored and enjoyed being around, because they knew he would have lots of love, tell lots of jokes and keep you laughing. Sam loved getting together with his family and friends to hang out, reminisce and see who would put in a “floor show.” Well, Sammie Lee, this is your “Floor Show”.

Sammie Lee leaves to cherish his love and precious memories his sons: Jonathan Gay, Sammie, and Stephen Lewis; daughters: Van and Jan Hamilton; eight grandchildren; stepfather: Eddie Barron, Sr.; siblings: Gloria Gay, Theodore (June) Henderson, Randall Kelly, Anthony Barron, Angela Barron, Eddie Barron, Jr.; sister/cousin: Diane Gay; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Elder Gay and to serve the Gay family.