Richard John Fay, 79, died May 20, 2026, at his home in Lampasas.
Rosary will be recited at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on May 26 at 6 p.m., with visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on May 27 at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Bosley Cemetery in Santo at 2 p.m.
Richard was born on Feb. 14, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to John Angus Fay and Christine Tancredi Fay.
He grew up in Boston and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1965.
He then studied environmental design and architectural engineering at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Richard 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 1977, accepting a commission as a second lieutenant. He served in South Korea as a field medical officer. Some of his assignments included Fort Rucker, Alabama; West Germany; Aberdeen Proving Ground; The Pentagon; and Fort Sam Houston and Camp Mabry in 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 an active member of the Catholic church and Knights of Columbus, and he was a 4th Degree Knight. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6978 in Lampasas, where he held several positions including Grand Knight and other offices.
He also was 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, and by his 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, and David and Donna; his daughter, Lisa; sisters Diana Fay of Boston and Carol Knifton of Vancouver; seven grandchildren, Katherine, Amelia, Mica, Isaac, Alexander, Dylan and Jackson; and four greatgrandsons, Hayden, Corbin, Jaxson and Kyron.
The family requested donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Lampasas, Wounded Warriors Project, the Disabled American Veterans or to a charity of one’s choice.
