Robert E. (Bob) Lay, passed from this earthly existence into eternity May 6, 2025. He was born on June 5, 1938, at Langley Air Force Base. A 1956 graduate from Hampton High School, he attended Wichita University, returning to Hampton in 1960. Additional schooling included pre-standard, standard, and graduate certification from the American Institute of Banking. His graduate work was completed at the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management at the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. He began his working career with Merchants National Bank. A number of mergers extended that working relationship for 34 years. Bob retired on September 30, 1994, from Bank of America after a career which spanned duties from bookkeeping to Senior Vice-President.

Bob was active in civic and church affairs. He was past chairman of the Old Hampton Association, State Treasurer of the Virginia Leukemia Society and treasurer of the Fox Hill Ruritan Club. He was a member of Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church with duties that included chairman of the Administrative Board, member of both Finance and Audit Committees, and member of the choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Pauline Lay. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Lula Mae "Lulabelle" of 66 years, two daughters, Patty Lay and Beth Campbell and granddaughter, Kylie Campbell.

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions Hospice and The Hidenwood for their loving care and attention.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, May 12, 2025, with a visitation from 1 – 1:30 PM at Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Fox Hill Central United Methodist Church, 501 Beach Road, Hampton, VA 23664.