Richard John Fay

Richard John Fay, age 79, passed away in the early morning of May 20, 2026, at his home in Lampasas, Texas. He was born on February 14, 1947, in Boston, Mass, to John Angus Fay and Christine Tancredi Fay.

There will be a rosary recited at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6 pm, with visitation to follow until 8 pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10 am. Graveside services will follow at Bosley Cemetery in Santo, TX, at 2 pm.

Richard grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1965. He then went on to study Environmental Design and Architectural Engineering at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.

He joined the United States Marines straight out of High School, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a track vehicle mechanic, a Jail Guard, a member of the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, and he was a rodeo clown in his spare time.

After his service in the Marines, Richard completed his college degree and worked on multiple projects in New York City, including designing several office spaces in the World Trade Center.

He joined the United States Army in June of 1977, accepting a commission as a 2nd Lt. He served in South Korea as a Field Medical Officer. Some of his assignments included Ft Rucker, Alabama, West Germany, Aberdeen Proving Ground, The Pentagon, Ft Sam Houston, Texas, and Camp Mabry, Texas.

He graduated from Command and General Staff College in 1991. He also completed the Engineer Advanced Course. Richard received many awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

He later joined the National Guard as a Combat Engineer, where he retired in 1997.

After military retirement, he worked for MW Builders on numerous projects, including several Water Treatment Facilities and a parking structure at Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Richard was very active in the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus and was a 4th Degree Knight. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6978, Lampasas, where he held several positions, including Grand Knight and other offices. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #277 in Lampasas.

Richard enjoyed drawing, painting, sculpting, and drafting design work. He took great joy in family, and especially his grandchildren. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Christine Fay, and by his beloved aunt and Godmother, Phyllis Tancredi.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gayla Whitley Fay of Lampasas; his sons and their spouses, Justin and Amber, David and Donna; and by his daughter, Lisa; his sisters, Diana Fay of Boston and Carol Knifton of Vancouver. Richard was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Katherine, Amelia, Mica, Isaac, Alexander, Dylan, and Jackson. He also has 4 great-grandsons, Hayden, Corbin, Jaxson, and Kyron.

Richard was blessed with many friends and extended family as well.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Lampasas, Wounded Warriors Project, the Disabled American Veterans, or the charity of your choice.