Edward Dwight Fay, Jr. passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Dwight was born in Montgomery, AL and grew up in Union Springs, AL. Soon after graduating from the University of Alabama and a brief experiment as a high school teacher in Florida, he was commissioned in the United States Navy, a passion he would continue in active and reserve service for the next thirty years.
After his time on active duty, he returned to Florida to court and marry Marjorie Gail McCaleb. They lived together in Roanoke, VA for a time before returning to Alabama, where Dwight earned his law degree from Samford University. Dwight and Gail then moved to Huntsville, AL, where Dwight worked as a lawyer and a judge for the Social Security Administration, Alabama District and Circuit Court system, and as a special Alabama Supreme Court justice.
Dwight’s love of the ocean was not limited to his service in the Navy, whether expressed through his love of sailing or the fifteen years he spent as a member of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission, including a term as a chairman of the board of commissioners. While serving as a juvenile court judge, he founded the Phoenix Program for troubled youth in the Madison County court system. The Phoenix Program organized community leaders to support the young people Dwight saw come through his court. Dwight has been active in First United Methodist Church for 45 years, and spent many years teaching law seminars across the country. During the early 80’s, Dwight and some friends established the “Pug Henry Gun Club” chapter of the National Rifle Association.
In addition to his wife of over 50 years, Marjorie Gail Fay, he is survived by his son, Edward D. Fay and wife, Megan Fay; and granddaughters, Maura and Madeline. He was preceded in death by his son, John Fay.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 28 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Huntsville First United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at the church with the Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society or Huntsville First United Methodist Church.
