Rodney E. Lay

Rodney Lay of Bastrop, Texas passed away on December 28, 2020 surrounded by his devoted daughter and her family.

Rodney was born on February 14, 1953 in Austin, Texas to Bert Sr. & Evelyn Lay-Peterson. He was one of seven children.

Rodney was a Union pipefitter at the Austin Union Local 286 until his retirement in 2012.

Rodney was a hardworking man. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help out and volunteer where needed. His willingness to help out was demonstrated through his years of hauling Rhonda to youth rodeos and barrel races where he could always be talked into driving the tractor to drag the arena.

Rodney enjoyed building things with his hands. He was a skilled welder and craftsman. Rodney was a sought-after bit maker by barrel racers from all over the country. A barrel racer could just describe to Rodney what kind of bit they wanted, and he would sketch it on a piece of paper or any napkin laying around and then build the bit.

In 2010 Rodney was diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer. He will be remembered for his determination, positive never give up attitude and his faith in God to keep going another day. If there was one word that described Rodney, it would be grit. Grit is defined as passion and perseverance for long term meaningful goals. It is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles.

Rodney will mostly be remembered for his love and devotion to his family. Even during his toughest days battling his illness he was still there assisting his brothers and sisters in the care of his elderly mother. Rodney's pride and joy was his daughter, Rhonda and her boys. If he was not volunteering at one of their events, then you could find Rodney on the sidelines cheering on at volleyball games, tennis matches, barrel races, rodeos, baseball games, football games or basketball games.

Rodney is survived by his only daughter Rhonda Sue Lock, her husband Kent Randall Lock and their three boys Luke, Colt and Kade; his brothers: Bert Lay JR., Lonnie Lay, Ricky Lay, Danny Owens; sisters: Martha Kidd and Christine Lay-Wilson; along with many nieces and nephews.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents Bert Sr. and Evelyn Lay-Peterson.

Services will be January 2, 2020, at 11:00am at the Bastrop Providence Funeral Home with visitation prior to the service from 9:00am to 11:00am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Family invites friends for food and fellowship at Rosanky Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following services.

Pallbearers are JoDe Procise, Doug Staton, Bruce Kana, Larry Stone, Michael Willette, Luke Lock and Colt Lock. Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Morgan and Robert Leslie.

Memorials may be given to the Rosanky Christian Academy.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Jerry Fain, Dr. Royal, Dr. Kanwal Raghav, Dr. Daniel Karp, and Hospice of Austin.