Joel Thomas Kay, age 90, of Sautee, formerly of Marietta, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022, with
his loving wife by his side.
his loving wife by his side.
Thomas was born on March 1, 1932, in Hart County, Georgia, to the late Joel Columbus “JC” and Nettie Sue
Brown Kay. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings, William Doyle Kay and
Linda Kay Johnson.
Thomas was a graduate of Elbert County High School and served four years in the United States Air Force
Brown Kay. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings, William Doyle Kay and
Linda Kay Johnson.
Thomas was a graduate of Elbert County High School and served four years in the United States Air Force
during the Korean War. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Georgia State
University, where he also worked for 26 years in various accounting and administrative capacities, including
Treasurer. In 1994, Thomas was the recipient of the prestigious Sparks Award, presented to Georgia State
University staff, faculty and students who “exemplify a willingness to go the extra mile with good humor
and perseverance…” Thomas was also a professional photographer, owning his own photography
business for many years. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling and tinkering
in his workshop. He was a member of Helen First Baptist Church.
University, where he also worked for 26 years in various accounting and administrative capacities, including
Treasurer. In 1994, Thomas was the recipient of the prestigious Sparks Award, presented to Georgia State
University staff, faculty and students who “exemplify a willingness to go the extra mile with good humor
and perseverance…” Thomas was also a professional photographer, owning his own photography
business for many years. Thomas enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling and tinkering
in his workshop. He was a member of Helen First Baptist Church.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 65 years, Delphine Paul Kay, of Sautee; daughters, Pam Kay Hill (Bobby) of
Cleveland, and Jan Kay (Kelly) of Sautee; grandsons, Rob Hill (Jennifer) and Brad Hill (Michelle); great-
grandsons, Drake Hill and Zac Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
Cleveland, and Jan Kay (Kelly) of Sautee; grandsons, Rob Hill (Jennifer) and Brad Hill (Michelle); great-
grandsons, Drake Hill and Zac Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 07, 2022 from 12 until 2 PM at Helen First Baptist
Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM with Rev. Jim Holmes officiating. Private family burial will be
held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.
Church. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM with Rev. Jim Holmes officiating. Private family burial will be
held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pruitt Cares Foundation, 1626
Jeurgens Court, Norcross, GA 30093 (pruittcares.org/general-
outreach fund, 53 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545; or a charity of your choice.
Jeurgens Court, Norcross, GA 30093 (pruittcares.org/general-
outreach fund, 53 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545; or a charity of your choice.
To share a memory or to leave a condolences for the family you can go to www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland is in charge of arrangements. 706-865-3101 www.barrettfh.com
