George Warner Hay

    A native of Ohio, he retired from the Navy as an E5 in 1972 after 12 years active duty. George was aboard the carrier USS Forrestal, the first of a new class of super carriers, when a fire broke out on the ship, 29 July 1967, while in the Gulf of Vietnam. A rocket accidentally discharged on board and led to one of the largest naval disasters in history, killing 134 sailors and injuring at least 160 others. The ship had just undergone a $50 million overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard before leaving for Vietnam.

    George was a member of Clan Hay, and SAMS Post 1775. He held the position of Post Quartermaster for 12 plus years and was SAMS’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Commander until his death.

    In his civilian life, George owned Route 4, Antique Alley antique mall in Northwood, New Hampshire until he retired. He was a Master Electrician and Creative craftsman who took pride in his work. He loved cooking, painting and ink drawing, traveling, gardening, talking with friends, having a good cigar and a single malt. He read 1-2 books a week, mostly history related. George could answer any question you had on history. He was a very loyal, loving man, who treated the love of his life, Charlotte like a Queen. They spent 18 years together, traveling and sight-seeing. He loved making hand-made cards for her. In fact, he loved making gifts for his family and friends. He was a music lover of all genres and an avid fisherman. His favorite album was Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. George was a snappy dresser, always in style wherever he went and traveled. He was very creative and talented and could do most anything he took an interest in.

    He is proceeded in death by his stepfather, Lynn Miner, whom he loved like a father (his own dad passed away when George was 3). Mr. Miner instilled in George the gift of fishing and building things with his hands. Together, they built a boat and fished on Lake Michigan. Also proceeding him, his stepbrother Gary, and George’s late wife, Marie L. Hay. He is survived by Charlotte Week-Hiers, his true love for 18 years, and her children, a daughter, half-brother, many nieces and nephews. Please donate to SAMS Post 1775’s Scholarship Fund in George W Hay’s name. Send donations to Kenneth A. Lloyd, PC, Post 1775, 4646 Kelly Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. A receipt is given upon request. A Celebration of Life ceremony was 15 March, at Historic Rural Hill Farm. A funeral detail from the US Navy and the Post 1775 Color Guard will present honors.