Leadership Paul Jones President & CEO Meet Paul Tom Smith COO Meet Tom Travis Camp CFO Meet Travis Jody Crews Executive Vice President Meet Jody Wayne Durban Senior Vice President Meet Wayne Chris Stalnaker Vice President, Director of Gainesville Operations Meet Chris Michael Rizzo Vice President, Director of Orlando Operations Meet Michael Remembering Mr. Gay William Wiley Gay, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. He was at his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Eloise Gay. Bill Gay was born on October 15, 1926 in West Palm Beach, Florida and attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, FL. He went on to study education at the University of Florida where he graduated in 1949. He began his career in mechanical contracting as a part-time worker with Henley and Beckwith during his undergraduate days and worked continuously in the field until he organized his own company, W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. in 1962. His company is located off I-10 in Jacksonville and easily recognized by its iconic blue buildings and prominent American flag that proudly flies. The company is also known for putting Christmas decorations out the day after Thanksgiving every year. He loved Christmas and had a Christmas room in his house that he kept decorated all year long. The company he built in 1962 reflects his entrepreneur spirit. He recognized that a prime ingredient to a successful business was people. He surrounded himself with talented associates who are skilled in virtually every aspect of mechanical contracting. He built a team that was qualified and capable of consistently producing mechanical work of the highest quality. The slogan he loved the most and truly believed was, “Our employees are the best in the business.” He loved life and lived every day to the fullest. Every day was a new challenge and a new opportunity to do something great and to help someone else. He often said, “What’s next?” Many have said he was the most generous, loving and kind man they had ever met. Bill Gay loved his country and was proud to have served in the Merchant Marines during WWII. He was an avid Gator fan, long time Bull Gator and loved to watch the Gator games in the swamp with his family. He was instrumental in the development of Jacksonville as a leader, a citizen, and as a mechanical contractor. There aren’t many buildings in Jacksonville that do not have the fingerprints of Bill Gay. He was involved in many civic and philanthropic organizations, leaving very few that he did not contribute his time and talents to. Throughout his career, Bill Gay was honored on numerous occasions for his achievements. These are just a few: 1982 Distinguished Builder Award 1993 Colonel Harry L. Kinne Free Enterprise Award 1999 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award-Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce 2002 Inducted into Gator Bowl Hall of Fame 2002 Flagler College Outstanding Philanthropist 2007 Florida’s Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Real Estate and Construction 2009 Gator Bowl Association named playing field “Bill Gay Field” 2009 One of Jacksonville’s 50 Most Influential People by 904 Magazine 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award-Junior Achievement Two-time recipient of the First Coast 50 Company of the Year Award Bill Gay was a very unique individual, totally committed to his business endeavors, his civic, church, social and charitable commitments. Each received his best efforts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It would be impossible to capture the full magnitude of the lives he touched. He rose to the top at whatever he undertook to make the world a better place for all. He gave credit to God for all of his success, and he lived his faith out daily. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He taught his family the value of faith, loyalty, generosity, perseverance, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. He considered his employees to be the best in the business and his extended family. His family and employees will work hard to continue his legacy. A leader in our industry and our community through an unrivaled commitment to our craft and our people. Have a Question? Sitemap Careers Contact ©2021 W. W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies