SR0077 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0077 LRB101 09880 ALS 54982 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Bobby "Bolo" Lay of Chicago, who passed away on January 21, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Lay was born in Chicago to Samuel "Sam" and Elizabeth "Liz" (Burits) Lay on December 8, 1960; he committed to his faith at an early age at Christ Temple Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, where he also served as an usher; he joined the Boy Scouts when he was in fifth grade and was a Star Scout and in the Leadership Corp.; he attended Whitney Young High School, where he was a member of the football team and the wrestling team and played the trumpet in the orchestra; he graduated in 1979 and then attended Wright Junior College for two years; he transferred to Columbia College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communications and a minor in English in 1985; he married Joyce E. Brumfield on November 27, 1992; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Lay played semi-professional football with the Chicago Apaches for one year; he then returned to Whitney Young High School to coach the freshman and sophomore football team from 1983 until 1995; in 1990, he joined Habilitative System, Inc. as a social worker; throughout his career, he worked as a social worker for various social service agencies; he also worked as a professional videographer for over 25 years and videotaped many high school football games, Omega Psi Phi events, weddings, and special occasions; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Bobby Lay joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Omega Chapter as one of the Sons of Aeolus; after leaving his initial chapter, he assisted in the reactivation of the Iota Chapter and served as Keeper of Records and Seal; he received many awards, including the Iota Chapter Omega Man of the Year in 2006, the Iota Chapter Scroll of Honor Award for Keeper of Records and Seal in 2009, the Iota Chapter Citizen of the Year in 2011, and the 10th District Citizen of the Year in 2012; after he returned to the Sigma Omega Chapter, he served as a member of the Archives and Memorabilia Committee; he exemplified the fraternity's four cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift during his over 30 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Lay had a quiet demeanor and a big heart; he was often referred to as a "gentle giant"; he was always willing to help others; he loved Chicago and was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers; he and his wife were known for hosting great Super Bowl parties; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Lay was preceded in death by his mother, Liz; and

WHEREAS, Bobby Lay is survived by his wife, Joyce; his sons, Robert F. (Allison) Lay and Christopher J. Lay; his father Samuel J. "Sam" Lay; his sister, Debbie Lay; his brother, Michael D. Lay; his father-in-law, Myrtis Brumfield; his brothers-in-law, Leander "Pete" (Norie) Brumfield Sr., Curtis Brumfield, and Derrick T. Brumfield; his many aunts, uncles, and cousins; his Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; his mentor, Coach Prince; his fellow Whitney Young Alumni; and his friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bobby "Bolo" Lay and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bobby Lay as an expression of our deepest sympathy.