Judge William Pierce Hay Jr.

Judge William Pierce (“Billy”) Hay, Jr. died in his sleep April 15, 2015, from old age. He was born in Henrico County on December 11, 1919, to Nell (Ganzert) and Billy Hay. He had two sisters, Nell Lyle and Cecil Smith. He is survived by five children – Bill Hay (Barbara Corey) of University Place: WA, David Hay (Sue) of Virginia Beach, VA; Patti Peterson of Longmont, CO; Emily Hay of Los Angeles, CA; and Kate Rowland of Charlottesville, VA; as well as three grandchildren – Patrick Hay, Amy Hay, and Hayden Rowland and a niece, Elaine Smith of Elkton, VA: His wife, Patti Chafin Hay and her three children Trip Harris (Kathy), Michael Harris (Nichele), Col. John Harris and their children; and two stepchildren; Trey Hicks and Laura Eways dear friends and companions; Elmo and Lucy Brown. It's quite an extended family. The Judge was raised in Richmond. Scion of an old Virginia family of artisans, his father was a typesetter at the Richmond papers, and a standout baseball player. The Judge attended John Marshall High School where he was a standout athlete himself. He then attended Hampden-Sydney College on an athletic scholarship. Although an indifferent student, he was a student leader (ODK, etc.), and lettered in numerous sports. He was known as the “Little General” at Hampden-Sydney. He married Virginia Campfield after graduating in 1942 and soon joined the Navy and, after flight training, transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two combat tours in World War II, one in the Caribbean and the other in the South Pacific. He flew dive and torpedo bombers. When the war ended, he was demobilized in the South Pacific and made his way back to the states where his wife was living with her parents and newborn son in Staunton, VA. After the war, Judge Hay attended law school at the University of Virginia. While there, another son, David, was born. Upon graduation from law school, he returned to Farmville, VA, where he set up a law practice and also went to work as an Assistant Coach at Hampden-Sydney. He also had two more children, Patti and Emily. In 1956, Billy Hay was appointed to the General District Court bench in Prince Edward County. He served in that capacity for over 40 years, and added Lunenburg and Charlotte Counties to his duties later. He retired under duress in 1998. During this period, he had a fifth child, Kate, by his second marriage. In 1995, he married Patti Chaffin Harris from South Boston, VA. Judge Hay was a well know figure in Prince Edward County for many years. He was a civic leader, member of Johns Memorial Episcopal Church, avid and proficient golfer, rabid bird hunter, and local character. He led a long life and died peacefully. Would we all do the same. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters; Cecil Smith and Nell Lyle. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2015 at 2:00PM in Hampden Sydney College Presbyterian Church. Interment to follow at Westview Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Puckett Funeral Home from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfuneralhome.com