Georgia Trooper Seen In 'Smokey and the Bandit' Dies

ATLANTA, GA — A longtime Georgia trooper who was featured in "Smokey and the Bandit" has died, according to the Georgia Department of Public Safety.

Retired Master Trooper Ronnie Gay died Friday evening, according to the department. He was a member of the 43rd Trooper School and served Georgia for more than 30 years.

His cause of death is unknown.

According to IMDB, Gay acted as a Georgia trooper in "Smokey and the Bandit" in 1977. The film starred Burt Reynolds, Sally Field and Jerry Reed and was mostly filmed in Georgia.

"Many of us grew up watching the famous scene of Master Trooper Gay in 'Smokey and the Bandit,' which inspired some to become troopers. He taught through his love and laughter of life to be genuine and compassionate to those we serve. This icon will be missed, and we ask that you keep his family in your thoughts as they mourn his passing," Public Safety officials wrote in a Facebook post.

Gov. Brian Kemp took to Facebook Saturday to share that Gay, who worked at the governor's mansion in his career, was able to make everyone laugh and served Georgia residents well.

"Marty and I had the pleasure of meeting him at multiple Georgia State Patrol events and seeing firsthand both his humor and his genuine concern for others," Kemp said on Facebook. "We know his laughter and spirit will be missed by his loved ones, those who worked alongside him, and his community. Marty, the girls and I will keep his wife, Debra, and their children in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as they mourn this beloved husband, father, public servant and friend."