Jay joined the Army in July, 1947 where he served as communications operator on B17s in England. He flew 11 missions. His plane went into the ocean on his last mission. All crew members were able to get into rafts where they spent several hours before being rescued by a submarine. After leaving active duty, he served in the Air Force and Navy Reserves and Air Force National Guard for the next 30 years in Montgomery, Alabama.
He retired from the Postal Service as Plant Maintenance Manager.
His hobbies were Ham Radio (K4OVG), Guns, Airplanes, Flying his Challenger Kit Plane that he built with a friend and motorcycling. He and Sally travelled in 48 states and several Canadian Provinces, including Newfoundland, on their Goldwing.
He was a member of Masonic Lodge # 11 where he served as Worshipful Master 1999-2000, Scottish Rite, Shriners and OES.
He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian where he served as a teacher and deacon.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years Marvella (Sally), his Son Tom, his daughter, Susan Malone, his mother, Martha Presley and his grandparents, Tom and Lily Presley.
Two years after Sally’s death, he married a longtime friend, Mary Honeycutt whose husband passed away the same week as Sally. He is survived by his granddaughter Kayla (Josh) Mueller, his daughter in law Jan Morgan and grandchildren, Alison (Bradley) Bright and Christopher Morgan, Stepson Michael (Carrie) Honeycutt and Step Daughter, Amy Honeycutt. Mary's brother, Paul Skinner lived with them the past few months to assist them. He and Jay enjoyed each other’s company and loved to share their military experiences.
Jay moved back to his hometown, Greeneville, TN in 2017 where he enjoyed spending his last years. He attended Cedar Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church as long as he was able.
A visitation is set for Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 10:00 am at Leak Memory Chapel as well as a funeral service at 11:00 am. Services will conclude with a committal in Greenwood Cemetery following his funeral service. Online condolences may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com.
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