Donald B. Jay

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Bill Jay, step-sisters Leta Stewart and Danielle Gunter, and step-brothers J. E. Jay and Dexter Jay. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Jan Dodds and husband Delbert, son Jon Jay and Joanne Locklar and husband Craig. Grandchildren: Tyler and Blake Dodds, Jon David Jay and wife Jordan, Melissa Ann Freeman and husband Dustin, Jeremy Jay, and Julia Willis. Great-Grandchildren: Joshua and Jace Jay, Dax Freeman.

Donald graduated from Brady High School, and then, he received his bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University in 1951 where he played football, basketball and ran track. Following graduation, he coached one year at Kingsville, Texas, before enlisting for two years with the Navy. In 1955, he returned to Kingsville to continue coaching. During this time, Donald received his master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. “Coach” Jay continued his coaching career in Lamesa and West Orange. In 1971, he moved to Austin to become the Executive Vice-President of the Texas High School Coaches Association. He worked for the association until his retirement in 1991.

Donald married his best friend Marilyn in 1950, and they spent 65 wonderful years together. One of his greatest joys was to trout fish in Colorado with his grandchildren. He truly loved the outdoors. He also enjoyed traveling with friends to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and many other places.

He was inducted into the THSCA Hall of Honor, awarded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Jim Myers “Extra Mile” Award, inducted into Howard Payne University’s Sports Hall of Fame, and Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

He loved being involved in his church. He was Chairman of the Building Committee when Northwest Baptist Church built their Family Life Center, and one of his greatest pleasures was serving on the Board of Deacons at his church. After retiring he served on the boards at Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment and South Texas Children’s Home.

Donald was a man of great faith and wisdom, a beacon of positivity, a wonderful story teller, comedian, and a faithful friend. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Dad or Papa was a strong Christian influence in our lives and many others.