Ag Hall of Fame induction brings together family, friends of Jack Gay

It seemed that everyone had a favorite story about Jack Gay, the newest inductee into the Manatee Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Jane Reeder recalled that someone once complained to Gay that the plants that children were entering at the Manatee County Fair were not up to scratch.

“We are not raising plants. We’re raising young people,” Reeder recalled Gay saying.

“I knew him since I was 5. He touched so many minds. We would not be the men and women we are today without Jack Gay,” Reeder said, prior to the induction Thursday at the Woman’s Club of Palmetto.

Gay died in 2005 at the age of 67, but his influence was such as a dairyman, citrus grower, beef rancher, community leader and youth supporter that he has not been forgotten.

“He was a wonderful family man,” fair manager Dan West said. “He cared about his community and the youth of this community as well. I don’t know how he milked 600 cows twice a day, and then went to all the organizational meetings he went to. It was just amazing.”

Ralph Garrison, chairman of Farm City Week, noted the event is now in its 60th year. Jack Gay is the second member of his family to be inducted into the hall of fame. The first was his daughter Brenda Rogers, inducted in 2009.

Rogers accepted her father’s nomination on behalf of her family and noted that her late mother, Jeanette Gay, was a silent partner in all he accomplished.

“He was a man who loved his lord, his church, his family and his community,” Rogers said. “As a family we continue to be motivated and challenged by the examples set by our parents supporting each other in good times and bad, both as a family and as a member of this very special community we all call home.”

Were he alive, Jack Gay would be embarrassed by all the attention, while Jeanette Gay would be smiling and pleased, Rogers said.

“We know today there is a celebration in heaven, not because Dad is being recognized, but because this recognition is the vehicle for bringing together so many people that he loved,” Rogers said.

In keeping with Gay’s active support of youth activities, including the 4-H Club, FFA, Palmetto High School and more, West noted it was fitting to recognize several students during Farm City week.

Kelli Kennedy of the Manatee School District introduced Caitlin Sollazzo of Lakewood Ranch High School and Mackenzie Sisson of Nolan Middle School as Farm City Week essay winners. Gail Somodi, Soil Conservation Supervisor, introduced Elanie Mason, a Palmetto High School student, as winner of the Soil Conservation Speech competition.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 3:42 PM with the headline "Ag Hall of Fame induction brings together family, friends of Jack Gay."