Gay Strader

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Gay Lynette Campbell Strader, who died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 85 early in the morning of July 7, 2025.

Born in Danville, Virginia, on September 1, 1939, Gay lived an extraordinary life, one shaped by her husband Cleo's 20-year career in the United States Army. As a military wife, she lived in many parts of the U.S. and abroad-from the Southwest to Florida, and across Europe to Bavaria. Yet wherever life took her, she created a warm, loving home, always putting her family first.

After military life, the family settled in Atlanta, where Gay worked on the General Motors assembly line for 15 years. Her hard work helped provide stability and opportunity for her children, giving them the chance to attend college and pursue their dreams

Gay was a devoted wife to her husband of 57 years, James Cleo Strader, who preceded her in death on January 15, 2014. The daughter of Carrie P. Huffstickler, Gay grew up in Danville, Virginia, and attended high school there. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister Frances C. Clark and her brothers Leon Livingston Campbell ("Sonny") and Timothy E. Huffstickler. She is survived by her sisters, Barbara C. Hudgins and Karen H. Kuchinski, and her brother Charles E. Campbell.

Gay's greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother to her three sons-Howard M. Strader (Howie), James C. Strader Jr. (Jim), and Thomas E. Strader-as well as to her eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Among those Gay held especially dear was her daughter-in-law, Kely Strader, wife of Thomas. Gay treasured Kely and embraced her not just as family, but as the daughter she never had. Their bond was a source of great joy, and Gay found in Kely a kindred spirit-someone she admired, trusted, and loved.

Gay's life was defined by selfless devotion and deep love for her family. She'll be remembered not only for the sacrifices she made and the home she built, but for the warmth she gave to all who knew her. Her presence was a gift-steady, loving, and true-and her memory will be cherished forever by her family and all whose lives she touched. There will never be a day we don't miss her.