R. Jay passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends in Georgia where he remained the last years of his life. He was born in Griffin, Georgia and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a loving father who cared deeply about his children.
Jay was a sergeant in the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam Era. He became a resident of Cullman, AL in 2003 and began life as a truck driver locally as well as cross country, where he earned the nickname “Ol’ Devil Dawg”, for his love of the Marine Corps. He was an avid bowler in the Cullman bowling leagues and enjoyed all the friends he made with the sport. He loved singing especially gospel hymns and oldies, road trips were not the same. He would turn it in to a sing-a-long and have everybody joining.
He loved to help out with his kids and their extracurricular activities like softball/baseball, where he coached his kid’s team in the summer league. Jay majored in Art at the University of Alabama! He loved painting and airbrushing.
Jay had a great sarcastic sense of humor and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed making people laugh and smile, even on his bad days. He was the type of man to give you the shirt off his back and help anyone in need.
Over the years Jay took in his children’s friends as his own when they needed a safe place. A special message to you guys, “He loved you all and considered you to be his extended family.” To Jay you guys made him feel young again. Jay was survived by his four children, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, his adopted children, a sister, nieces and nephews, and a great nephew. Christie and Tyler Shirley (daughter/husband); Robert Jackson Heard (son); children—Brylee Henley, Rayden Heard, Rari Heard; Angela and Eric Horton (daughter/husband); children—Kaleb Cavanaugh, Aiden Horton Elizabeth Lynn and Robert Mendoza (daughter/spouse); children — Levi Hokanson and Victoria Lynn, Jessica Kelso and Haley Day- adopted daughters; Nelma Ann Taylor – sister; Cameron Goolsby – Nephew; Darlan Goodman – niece; Alexandra Goodman – great-niece; Bronson Ivester – great-nephew; Jaxson Hammond – great-great-nephew.
Jay’s final words would be, do not be sad on my departure but rejoice in my laughs and smiles I have given you during passing. Semper Fi and Roll Tide Roll!
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at Moss Service Funeral Home Chapel at 6 p.m. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home on Wednesday Oct. 18, 2023. In lieu of flowers: The family request donations be made to The Cullman VFW or Cullman Caring for Kids.
