Wilmer Ira "Bill" Gay, age 88 of Portage, Wisconsin passed away peacefully September 28th, 2009 at the Hospice House in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Bill was born October 31st, 1920 to Joseph and Edith (Gray) Gay. He was a 1938 graduate of Portage High School, where he was a member of the varsity boxing team and enjoyed wood working. Bill worked on the family farm until WWII, when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. In 1942 after graduating from basic training, Bill was selected for Officer Candidate School, where upon completion; he was designated to train as a bombardier. After graduation Bill was assigned to the 5th Air Force Division in the South Pacific flying B 24's. 1st Lieutenant Gay flew 52 Combat missions in the South Pacific, while assigned to the 5th Air Force. Military decorations include the air medal with eight oak leaf clusters, the Asian campaign medal with the invasion of the Philippines, as well as many other commendations. After completing his military service, he met and married Jane Evelyn Grant in May 1945, in El Paso, Texas. They were blessed with three children, Gale G. (Mary) Gay, Ralph B. (Lisa) Gay, and Thelma M. (Mitchel) Craig. Jane preceded Bill in death in 1986. In November of 1993 Bill re-married to Mary L. Corning. Bill was a member of the United Methodist Church in Briggsville; he spent 60 plus years in the American Legion Post 329, where he was a former Commander. Bill was a Master Carpenter, and a member of the local Carpenters Union. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, where he participated in area baseball teams and had a passion for reading Louis LaMour books. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Edith Gay; three brothers, Leslie (Iva) Gay, James (Shirley) Gay and Raymond (Mary) Gay; and his beloved first wife Jane E. Gay. He is survived by his wife Mary L. Gay and her family; his three children; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Elizabeth (Warren) Coon and Lois (Bill) Bescup; and many nephews and nieces. Memorial funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Picha Funeral Home in Portage with Pastor Barbara Bolz officiating. Inurnment along with military rites will follow at the Briggsville Prodestant Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 329 or the Portage Public Library "We will miss you." On behalf of Bill's family we would like to thank Home Health Care United and Hospice House, and finally we would like to thank Bill's girls, Diane and Shelly, for all their loving care Service Details.