Johnnie Faye Bing Gay

Ms. Johnnie Faye Bing Gay, age 78, of Springfield, Georgia, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at her residence under the care of her family and Suncare Hospice. Ms. Gay was a native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, but had lived in Savannah for many years, and Effingham County for the past several years. She was a graduate of Savannah High School, and was a retired quality inspector with Brasseler, USA.

Ms. Gay loved her grandchildren and pets and was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. She loved spending time at the beach, and gardening, but especially loved hosting her family every Sunday for a meal, as long as she was able. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eula Mae Oliver and sister, Mary Helen Bing.

Surviving are her sons, Daniel Nelson (Lisa) of Savannah, David Nelson (Paula) of Chappells, S.C., and Keith Gay (Heather Bohannon) of Bloomingdale; her daughter, Kenna Smiley (Ray) of Springfield; 10 grandchildren, Haley Newton (Cino), Hannah Reyes (Jaylen), Kelsie Scarborough (Jason), Tori Martin (Nick), Elijah Nelson (Miranda), Darian Gay, Konner Wiggins, Emily Nelson, Evan Gay, and Tyler Nelson; and three great grandchildren, Isabella Newton, Kellin Scarborough, and Dawson Scarborough.

The visitation will be on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral to honor Ms. Gay’s life will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Tim Brown officiating. The committal will immediately follow at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery on Dean Forest Road in Garden City.

Thomas C. Strickland and Sons Funeral Home – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL - 901 Hwy 80 West - Pooler, Georgia (912) 748-2444