Jay is my cousin and remember him  fondly… him always wanting to help me any way he could.

I love you Jay Brian you are truly missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with the entire family. I’ve known Jay for many years and worked with him for many years at a local nursing home. I was saddened to hear he had passed.  He always had a smile on his face and always could put a smile on someone’s face if they didn’t have one already.

I had the honor of working with Jay for more than 10 years at SHCM. Through hurricane sleepovers, cooking breakfast for residents during surveys, COVID shutdowns, and everything in between, Jay was there and always bringing a ray of sunshine to whatever situation we found ourselves in.

But somewhere in the midst of all those years of working together, I was blessed to also call him my friend.

We talked about everything from our families to our shared love for the Lord. And even though I didn’t see or talk to him every day, whenever I did, it was as if no time had passed. That was just Jay. When he loved you, you knew it, because he had a way of immediately making you feel like family.

Jay truly loved what he did. His passion for making sure our residents received top-notch dining experiences was unmatched. He paid attention to every detail and wanted every resident to feel as though they were receiving five-star service at every meal. It wasn't just a job to him, it was his ministry of service.

His presence was larger than life, and I know I’m not the only one who feels like our SHCM annual meeting will never quite be the same without him.

One of my favorite memories will always be Jay singing “My Way” during karaoke at the meeting. And when I think about his life, I can't think of a more fitting song. Jay truly did it his way! With faith, love, laughter, excellence, and a heart for serving others. And in doing so, he left behind an incredible legacy of love that will continue long after him.

I know he is in Heaven, smiling down on all of us with that beautiful smile of his.

My heart and prayers are with his family, his SHCM family, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

We will miss you, Jay. We loved you, and we were forever changed by you. ❤️

Rest well, my friend. Until we meet again.

Jay was many things to the people in his life, devoted son, husband, father, Health Care Professional and above all a friend. I will remember his kind heart, infectious laugh and willingness to assist others no matter the hour of day or night.

Jay was a very special customer. He was innovative, an out of the box thinker and a results oriented leader. He loved his team and they loved him back.     I consulted & conducted training for the SHC management team for 9 years with Gordon Food Service (GFS) in both Florida and North Carolina until my retirement in 2024. 
Sending heartfelt condolences & prayers  to his family, friends and colleagues. 🙏🪽♥️

March 2023 Nancy Rhoades, GFS & SHC managers at dinner, lots of laughs & great memories.

To the Family of Jay, 
The Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center Family send our heartfelt condolences as we to with heavy hearts will truly miss Jay.  We will miss Jay comical to the point attitude. We thank GOD for allowing us to know Jay and learn so much from his leadership. He was definitely a great support system for the Healthcare industry.  Jay had love and compassion for what he did to help facilities to reach their full potential of serving the Residents, Families and Staff, Jay cared.  We will continue to lift the family in prayer. 
Daria Hayward, CDM, CFPP

To this sweet family,
I am so very sorry for this huge loss!  Jay was truly such a kind compassionate fella.   It seems our paths crossed several times for work but he was like family.  I worked with him at Lakeview Terrace in the early 80’s…in the kitchen making meals for the residents.  It was a very small kitchen and Miss Judy was the cook.  Boy we had fun.  She always called him Jay Brian.  He married a dear friend of mine and remained a good friend.  I will miss him!   I think I will be a better person just remembering his kindness and patience.  Thanks Jay!  Much love and prayers to you all! 
Susan Swager.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Jay was honestly one of the kindest, most loving, big-hearted people I’ve ever known. He was such a genuinely good person, with an amazing heart and a character that made him so special.

He had a way of making you smile when you needed it most, and his hugs could make everything feel okay.. He was loved by so many, and we were truly lucky to have known him.

I’ll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs, his kindness, and those hugs. Some people leave a mark on your heart that never fades, and Jay was definitely one of those people.

My heart hurts for everyone who loved him. I know there aren’t really any words that can make this easier, but I hope the good memories and all the love he gave bring you some comfort.

He was truly one of a kind and will be missed more than words can say. Rest peacefully, Jay. You were so loved, and you will never be forgotten. ❤️

Henry’s parents always loved Jay.  He was very kind to us when we visited.  When we talked to him we said we were his PA Family.  We will miss talking to you.  Rest in peace Jay.🙏

Jay will truly be missed by all of us at Southern.   To me Jay was’t just a co-worker he was like family.   We did trips, hung out on weekends and had a lot of fun over the years.    Jay became like the brother I never had.  

Jay had the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew.    He truly helped so many people in more ways then I could ever write.   

  He would always ask if I needed anything.    Pretty much anytime I went away he would ask me if I needed him to come over and take care of my pets.    When I had to go up to PA for my dad last min he immediately said I can go over and watch them.

  Weekends and sometimes weekdays he would ask me what I was up to or vice versa and would come over grill and hangout.  

  He would call my mom and she would call him.    I would be talking with my mom and she would say oh I was talking with Jay last night…..   He called my parents mom and pop.

  Jay could make you feel great about anything.    Put a couple bags of Multch down in the yard he would come over and say how it looked amazing.    I would be like wow it does. 😂 

  I think Louie my dog liked him more than me.    He knew Jay since he was a pup and would go crazy when Jay came over.    

   Funny story, I think it was during COVID we all did the test for spirit animals.   John and I were wolves, someone else was a lion, etc.   Jay took the test and his spirit animal was a butterfly.    He wasn’t happy with the result and took it again.   Second time he was a butterfly again.   He kept saying it isn’t even an animal 😂   Then one day I was driving on the phone with Jay and I said “oh shit” he asked what happened, I said I think your spirit animal just got splattered on my windshield.     

  I will really miss you and always remember the fun times!    Rest In Peace and I will see you on the other side someday!   

Henry Gerrity 
Your brother from another mother

We will really miss Jay a lot. He was our next door neighbor and a great friend.!!  He always had a smile on his face.

You will truly  be missed. From the Dietary staff at Rocky Mount Rehab.

Jay was good about giving recognition making people feel good for doing a good job

Jay was never just a boss or a corporate leader to me. He was a mentor, a supporter, and someone who genuinely cared about the people around him.

Over the nearly four years that I had the privilege of knowing Jay, he encouraged me to pursue the things I was passionate about outside of work, pushed me to reach for more, and always reminded me to be true to myself. He would also remind me to make sure I made time for what mattered most—especially my family.

Jay was always there whenever I called, no matter the time of day or night. He may not have always had the answer I was looking for, but he always helped guide me in the right direction and encouraged me to find the answer for myself. That kind of support and mentorship is something I will never forget.

I am truly heartbroken that Jay is no longer with us. He was a genuinely kind-hearted and caring person, and his presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

My sincerest condolences go out to Jay’s family, friends, and all those who are grieving this tremendous loss. I am grateful to have known him and will always remember the impact he had on my life.

Rest in peace, Jay. You will be deeply missed

Such sad devasting news. I met Jay a handful of times either at my facility for a visit or a Maintenance conference.  2 words into a conversation, it was like speaking with a good friend.  It was a pleasure to know you, Jay.  Anyone whoever spoke about you. Had nothing but kind words to say. A genuinely nice person with a heart of pure joy for life.    You and your presence will forever be missed deeply.

Jay brought passion to everything he did. He wanted the best for his colleagues as well as his culinary teams and residents. He was an asset to all who knew him and a friend to anyone who needed one. The world lost an incredible soul who will remain cherished in our hearts for eternity.  Love ya Jay!
Darlene  (Team Arbor Trail)

It has been an honor working with Jay at SHCM.  I will always remember him to be kind and gentle.  Thoughts and prayers lifted for his family and friends.  He will never be forgotten.

Jay was a one of kind great human being so blessed to have known him, Bayshore will  miss you greatly,

Our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. May the beautiful memories which you shared comfort you in the days to come. Jay's infectious laugh will forever resonate in our thoughts; his kindness will forever be remembered. Wishing you peace, Strength and comfort as you grieve this tremendous loss. May a part of Jay live within you every day in all you do. Our prayers and comfort to the entire family. - Jay's work family in Wilmington N.C.

To the family of jay sorry for your loss I was so blessed to meet and work with him., Thank him for everything..Rest Easy my friend.

Very sorry to hear this. Knew Jay for almost 16 years. Favorite memory was attending hurricane in North Carolina together. Was riding with him and fell asleep in the car, when I woke, we were driving down a multi lane freeway. I quickly noticed there were no cars in any lanes coming or going. Found out Jay had drove us into the eye of the hurricane! lol Have to admit it was a pleasant ride and we just laughed about it! He was one of a kind and will be missed! My condolences to the family.

Jay will be greatly missed!!!! He had a huge heart and was loved by everyone!!! 
Silas Creek Rehabilitation Center will not be same without him!!!! Keeping family in my thoughts and prayers!!!!

Like many others on here, I met Jay and his brothers at Lake Christian. We actually shared the bus (his family took up half of it 😉) and you can really get to know someone in a 45 minute bus ride twice a day! Jay became like family when he married Cindy - I still remember their wedding. 

45 years of little instances - school, choir, church, family gatherings - are passing through my mind now and to select just one to recall would be almost unfair to the others. Cindy, Adam, Zach, Abigayle, Paynter family - know they're all with smiles. 

I have since moved out of state and have been out of touch with Jay for a while but his death leaves me in shock and he will be missed. Much love and many hugs to you all.

I’m sorry for your loss Jay will be missed

This was at a Lake Christian reunion in 2017; I only saw Jay once more at another classmate’s funeral in 2019 after I moved to Colorado. It’s hard to see our friends go, but we will see you again! I pray the Lord comfort the family during this time of grief. Save me a seat in the bass section ‘cause when I get there, we’re gonna be singing praise for eternity! Until then, I will miss you my friend!

This one hurts. The loss of Jay is immeasurable. 
His caring, nurturing, positive spirit will live on in all that knew and loved him.

His guidance and unwavering respect of his coworkers will never be forgotten. 

My deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

Susan Walden 
CDM;CFPP
BONIFAY NURSING AND REHAB

The whole Paynter family became very special to me when I got to know them at Lake Christian.  Jay was such a giving and kind person.  When he talked to you, you were his focus.  He genuinely cared about you as an individual.  The last time I saw him was at a Lake Christian reunion years ago.   Always so much fun.  Always filled with joy.  He made a difference for many.  Praying for the family.

To the entire Paynter family, 
Jay was my boss at Ruleme Center. At least that’s how it started. He quickly became my friend and has remained my friend. He made work so fun - filled with laughter that made the stress liveable. He was always fun to be around and loved to give everyone his CD when they were down. He was Jay!! Full of life and smiles and witty come backs. He adored his family and was loyal to his friends. He will be sorely missed!! 
Jay will remain in my heart, reminding that when life gets rough , find things to smile about and remember to talk to God. 
Fly high with angels my friend! Say hi to Jill for me😊
Love🫶, 
Peggy Brennan

Best brother a brother could ever have.
see you in heaven with mom.
Love you Josh

OBITUARY

Jay Brian Paynter

September 29, 1965 – September 15, 2026

Harden-Pauli Funeral Home

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