Loyd Dale Lay passed from this world Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at his home in Kingston, Oklahoma after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer only one week earlier. He was born on May 27, 1937 in Sardis Oklahoma to Jess Welby Lay and Bessie Gertrude Lay. Dale joined the army May 17, 1959 and was stationed in Fort Ord, California where he met and became fast friends with Bobbie Bare. They enjoyed playing music together in their spare time. After he was discharged from the Army, he met and married Margaret Young and lived in Kingston for the past 50 years. From his early days, Dale had a burning love for country music, and his desire to pick and sing grew stronger every time he heard the Grand Ole Opry program on the radio. He dreamed of being on that stage someday. One of his strongest influences was the music of Hank Williams. Through the years, his talent continued to flourish as he enjoyed entertaining audiences at dances and other gatherings. In 1994, his dream of being on the Grand Ole Opry stage came true. He made a special guest appearance with Jimmy Snow, son of Opry star Hank Snow, The Singing Ranger. As he stood before the WSM microphone on the Grand Ole Opry House stage, he sang one of his favorite Hank Williams songs, the inspirational, "I Saw The Light." Dale had many GM recordings and has performed with numerous stars including: Loretta Lynn, George Jones, The Wilburn Brothers, Little Jimmy Dickens, Cal Smith, Jack Green, Jeanne Seeley, David Houston, Bobby Bare, Ernest Tubb, Hank Thompson, Pake McEntire, Jody Miller, Bobby G Rice, Razzy Bailey, Farron Young, Tony Douglas, Mel Tillis and others. Later in his career, he welcomed the opportunity to appear in several movies including Into the West, Invincible, and Soccer Mom. He enjoyed pursuing this new endeavor late in life.There are many things similar in the life stories of some of today's great legends of country music. Many grew up without a lot of material possessions, but they had a consuming love for country music. That description fits Dale in his everyday life. He was always there to help someone in need. The first thing he would say after finding out someone was ill or had lost everything in a fire was, "We need to do a benefit for them. They are hurting." After hearing his diagnosis, he told his daughter that he had to get to feeling better-- he needed to do a benefit for the American Red Cross. That exemplifies the truly selfless, great man he was: always worried about the needs of others. One of the things Dale continuously made the point of doing wherever he played was to make new friends. Dale was loved by many and will be truly missed. Dale is survived by 4 daughters Debbie Cleveland of S. Daytona Florida, Cheryl Craig husband Dave of S. Daytona Florida, Tami Snider of Yukon, Oklahoma and Karen Acklin and husband Larry of Yukon, Oklahoma. One son Anthony and wife Ashlie Lay of Wichita, Kansas. Grandchildren: Dawn Pye, Keesha Szulc, John Craig, Bryan Craig, Michael Smothers, Derrick Young, Cole Snider, Carlie Snider, Jessica Klein, Jordy Acklin, Alyson Acklin, Hannah Lay and 10 great grand children. One sister Norma Jean McCoy of Sardis, Oklahoma and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Bessie Lay, 5 sisters, Bell Thompson, Melvida Taylor, Myrtle Burnett, Christine Goss, and Eudene Blankenship, and one brother Winford Lay. A benefit show will be held in his honor Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Kingston High School multipurpose building at 7:00 pm with proceeds going to assist with funeral expenses.