Donald Courtenay Lay

Donald Courtenay Lay, 88, of Fields of Plenty, Rapidan, Va., died on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Blue Ridge Christian Home in Bealeton, Va. Donald was born on March 3, 1937, in Washington, D. C., and was the son of the late Wolcott E. Lay and Harriet Deems Lay. He is also predeceased by his wife, Virginia Via Lay; a son, Donald C. Lay Jr.; a son-in-law, Julius Richards; and his brothers, Wolcott Jr. “Ted” (Jeananne); Richard (Laura); Daniel (Belmar, Anne Marie); Francis (Carlyn); Dominic (Dorothy “Dotty”); John “Jake”; and sister Dorothy “Sue”.

Donald is survived by three daughters, Stephanie “Cindy” Mills and husband Raymond of Boston, Va., Vicki Richards of Orange, and Leeann Chipok and husband Steve of Culpeper; a son-in-law, Mike Lewitz of Halifax, Va.; sister-in-law, Betsy Lay of Ashburn, Va.; ten grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Blue Ridge Christian Home for their exceptional care, kindness and compassion given to Donald in his final years.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at the Lay Family Cemetery, 10168 Fields of Plenty Lane, Rapidan, Va. 22733. Preddy Funeral Home of Orange is assisting the family.