Joel Jack Day

Joel Jack Day, age 92 of Troy, Texas, passed away on June 20, 2025 in Temple. He was born on October 31, 1932 in Eddy, Falls County, Texas to Cecil C. Day and Sarah Lucile Wilcox Day. Jack graduated from Chilton High School and proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and married his sweetheart, Wilma Fay Kelley, on March 25, 1955, in Belton, Texas.

The couple moved to Jal, New Mexico, where Jack worked for El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement, Jack and Wilma settled in Troy, Texas, where he continued to serve the community as a dedicated city councilman for many years. Eventually, he retired once more to care for his beloved wife in her final years.

Jack was a devoted Christian and a longtime member of both the Lorena Church of Christ and the 6th Street Church of Christ in Belton. His faith guided his life, relationships, and service to others.

Jack is survived by his son, Bruce Day and wife Susan of Gardendale; his daughters, Linda Butterfield of Wintersville, Ohio, and Kim Givhan and husband Brad of Whitney. He was the proud grandfather of Jeremy Day of Gardendale; Zebadiah Butterfield of Wintersville, Ohio; Nicole Allison and husband Ryan of Howland, Ohio; and Bret and Typhani Givhan of St. Hedwig. His great-grandchildren include Owen, Arran, and Abbey Allison, and Valerie Givhan.

He is also survived by his brothers, Cecil Day and wife Eva of Farmington, New Mexico, and David Day and wife Judy of Midland; his sister, Wanda Whitling of Weatherford; and an uncountable number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jack was blessed with lifelong friendships, including his closest companions Ralph Hicks and Fred Johnson. Special appreciation to his right hand and best caregiver, Ana Crowe, who was like a granddaughter to him, as well as those who made his life so much better, Denise and Paul Trayler, Laney Lane and her children, and Megan Walker and her children, all of whom brought great joy to his life.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66½ years, Wilma; his parents, Cecil and Lucile Day; and his in-laws, Lawrence and Velva Kelley. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Clayton Day and wife Barbara, J.W. Day and wife Mary Ann, Wayne Day, and Kenneth Day; his sisters Louise Womack and husband Bob (whom Jack considered a brother), and Rose Anna Loesch; and by his son-in-law, Bill Butterfield.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Additional visitation will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m., also at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Bro. Mackie Bounds and Bro. Paul Trayler will officiate. Interment will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Day, Zebadiah Butterfield, Bret Givhan, Michael Day, Ana Crowe/Manoah Crowe, and Dustin Minear. Honorary pallbearers will be James V. Kelley, Fred Johnson and Ralph Hicks.

Memorials may be given in Jack’s name to Cherokee Home for Children, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, Texas 76832 or online at https://secure.everyaction.com/9TTbsQ3VHEStHUXK_lQLpQ2.

Jack Day will be remembered for his unwavering faith, steadfast devotion to family, and heartfelt commitment to community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he so freely gave.