ILION – Douglas “Doug” McKenzie Gay, age 62, of Woodland Ave., Ilion, passed away unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. He was born on May 7, 1959, in Ilion, the son of Raymond and Alice (Fean) Gay. Doug was a graduate of both Ilion High School and Albany College of Pharmacy and was a proud Eagle Scout. He married Carol Ann Houser, on June 2, 1984, in Frankfort, NY. They were married for 32 years before her passing. Doug was a Pharmacist at Walgreen’s Pharmacy, formerly Rite Aid, for the entirety of his 40 year career. Doug was a former member of the Ilion Elks Lodge #1444, where he served as Exalted Ruler for a time. Doug enjoyed the outdoors and relaxing at his camp in the foothills of the Adirondacks. He also enjoyed painting, drawing, photography, reading and was a big history buff. Doug was famous for his endless stream of dad jokes and was a big fan of DISNEY! He had the ability to bring a smile to everyone's face, whether they knew him or not. Surviving family members include his daughters, Stephanie (Gay) Montgomery, of Ilion and her fiancé, Gerard McDonald, of Utica, Beth Gay and her wife, Dyan, of Clark Mills and Rebecca Ferguson and her husband, Robert, of Ilion; his grandchildren, Kylie and Kacey Ferguson, Elijah, Azaira and Cheyenne McDonald, Briana Fleming and Alonah Crolius; his great-grandchildren, Charlotte Pardee and Clarkson Crolius; his nephews, Aaron Houser and Scott and Brian Lane, of Florida; his sister-in-law, Melissa Lane; and his beloved canine companions, Chip and Dale. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Alice Gay; his wife, Carol Ann; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Richard and Theresa Houser; and his brother-in-law David Houser. A private Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family, at the Millers Mills Cemetery. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Doug, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Bailey’s Karate School, 309 Miller Ave., Herkimer, NY 13350. Doug’s service arrangements are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, of the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY 13357.