He was born on September 30, 1952, in LaGrange, Indiana, to William and Edna Yoder. Jay worked for 50 years as a truck driver. He was known for his outgoing personality, his sweet and kind natured spirit, and his ability to bring joy to everyone he crossed paths with. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His favorite past times were being outdoors in God's creation, traveling the country, and striking up conversations about anything related to truck driving, good places to eat, and sharing stories about life events. He was well known as a grill master and his infamous deer jerky that he loved giving to people for the sheer joy it brought them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Yoder, and his brother, Gary Yoder.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pam Yoder; his children, Brian Yoder, Sheldon Yoder (Brooke), and Amy Yoder; three grandchildren, Casey Yoder (Marlee), Shelby Livingston (Walt), and Wesson Yoder; four great-grandchildren, Lilla Yoder, Laurie Livingston, Elayna Yoder, and Oliver Livingston; brothers, Dennis Yoder (Laurie), Del Yoder (Ginger), Jim Yoder (Kim); sisters, Louann Mock (Brian), Debe Hooley (Phil), Mandy Smith (Daryle); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 6, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home, Chapel, 320 North Elm Avenue, Sylacauga, Alabama 35150.
Pallbearers will be Casey Yoder, Walt Livingston, Preston "Bubba" Stanley, Brenan Smith, Hunter Horton, and Dylan Gambrell, with Wesson Yoder serving as honorary pallbearer.
Interment will be at Tallasahatchie Cemetery, 3332 Tallasahatchie Rd, Alpine.
His life touched many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
