William Hilary "Bill" Lay

William Hilary “Bill” Lay

August 14, 1931 – May 22, 2025

William Hilary “Bill” Lay, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Harrah, Oklahoma.

Born on August 14, 1931, in Louisville, Kentucky, Bill was the son of Hurstle and Opal (Wright) Lay. He was raised in Oneida, Tennessee, as one of nine siblings. Bill met the love of his life, Betty Ann Techau, in Omaha, Nebraska. They were married on September 23, 1950, in Silver City, Iowa. A proud veteran, Bill served his country with honor and dedication in the United States Air Force for 21 years, retiring on January 1, 1971. Following his retirement, he and Betty returned to Iowa. Bill had a passion for travel, often adventuring with Betty by his side. He cherished time spent with family and friends and was an active member of his community. He belonged to the Treynor Golf Club in Treynor, Iowa, and was also a proud member of the Cosmopolitan Club, VFW, and the Fish and Game Club, all in Council Bluffs. Bill found comfort in his faith as a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Council Bluffs.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Hurstle and Opal Lay; his wife of 62 years, Betty Ann Lay; a daughter, Julie Conway; siblings, Ruth Ray, Chris Vockell, Wilma Crabtree, Dorinda Layman, Buford Lay, and Yvonne Wright.

He is survived by his Children, Dan Lay and wife, Patty Lay, and Sue Lay and husband, Craig Spetman; a sister, Regina Wolf, a brother, Jerry Lay; grandchildren, Jeremy Lay and wife, Britta (Smith) Lay, Samantha Dyer and husband, Ethan Dyer, Connor Lay, Laura Jahning and husband AJ Jahning, and Sean Conway; and a great-granddaughter, Kiera Lay; as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Graveside services and celebration of life will be held at a future date.