Address: 1948 Sea Island Pkwy., St. Helena Island, South Carolina, 29920-4811

Family-Run Seafood Business

Founded in 1948 by Buster Gay, Gay Fish Company has been a cornerstone of the St. Helena Island community for over 75 years. From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into a trusted local business run by Buster's children and grandchildren. It continues the legacy of providing fresh, wild-caught seafood to locals and visitors alike. Buster’s children were/are John (deceased), Richard, Hilda, Charles, Robert, William (deceased). Charles and Robert are the only two still involved in the business, His children grew up working at the company and have carried on the family tradition. Now in his seventies, Charles still plays an active role in the business, ensuring that the core values of quality, hard work, and community involvement are upheld. His daughter, Cyndy Carr, joined him recently, representing the third generation of the Gay family at the helm. Gay Fish Company in St. Helena Island, SC, can be reached at 843-838-2763. Read more about our history below.

Three Generations of Tradition at Our Seafood Company

Buster Gay

Buster Gay, born John H. Gay Sr., founded the Gay Fish Company on St. Helena Island, SC. In 1948, after working as an electrician at the Beaufort Naval Hospital, Buster recognized the more significant opportunities in shrimping. He began shrimping on weekends and eventually invested in a larger boat and the property where Gay Fish Company now stands. Buster and his wife, Hilda, built the business from the ground up, turning it into a cornerstone of the local community. Their hard work and dedication laid the foundation for what has become a multi-generational, family-run company. Buster passed down not only the skills of the trade to his children but also the values of hard work, honesty, and community support, which still guide the company today.

Charles Gay

Charles Gay, now in his late 70s, has been a pivotal figure in running the Gay Fish Company. Growing up in the business, Charles learned the trade from a young age, working with his siblings in the day-to-day operations. He remains actively involved in the company, working six days a week and overseeing the operations, including raising the American flag each morning at 10 a.m. Charles is known for his dedication to the business and is essential to its success, ensuring the traditions established by his parents continue.

Robert Gay

Robert Gay, Charles' brother, has been involved in the Gay Fish Company for many years. Like the rest of the family, he learned the shrimping trade from his parents and played a crucial role in supporting the business operations. His presence is part of the family’s commitment to maintaining Gay Fish Company's legacy on St. Helena Island.

Cyndy Gay Carr

Cyndy Gay Carr serves as the business manager of Gay Fish Company, stepping into the role after a successful career in home mortgage loans. Raised on St. Helena Island, Cyndy grew up surrounded by the family business founded by her grandparents, John H. Gay Sr. and Hilda S. Gay, in 1948. She transitioned to the seafood industry in 2022, working alongside her father, Charles Gay, her uncle Robert Gay, and her brother Tim Gay. Cyndy is passionate about continuing her family’s legacy and modernizing the business, including growing their social media presence. She is also focused on maintaining the company's traditional values and supporting local shrimpers.

Tim Gay

Tim Gay, Cyndy's brother, worked on boats during his teenage years before pursuing ROTC in college. He then joined the Army, served in Desert Storm, and has since retired from military service. Now, he owns a private government contracting firm and is the majority owner of GFC, although he entrusts the day-to-day operations to Cyndy and his father.