Gary Ted Jay

Gary Ted Jay, 71, of Abilene, passed away on February 1, 2018.  Funeral service will be on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.  A time of visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gary Jay was born in Stamford, Texas, where his “ Journey ” began. He was the youngest of three sons, born to parents, Eddie and Jewel Jay. He grew up in Hamlin, Texas and graduated from Hamlin High School. Gary was Drum Major for the Pied Pipers Marching Band.  He graduated from ACU with a BS & MBA in Accounting; was in Who’s Who, on the Dean’s List; sang in ACU Acapella; and played in the Big Purple Band.

Following college, Gary was drafted into the Army, which took six times, with five deferments. He was the last person in Texas drafted under the old system. He served in Vietnam as Operations Sergeant in the Blackhorse Regiment—11 ^th Armored Cavalry.

As his “ Journey ” continued after the war, Gary was a staff accountant for CPA firm three years; an oil & gas accountant in the Big Country for ten years; a District Office Manager for H&R Block Company—supervising 17 offices in twelve counties.  He won a National award in Public Relations and participated in a national TV commercial. Gary has been the owner of Gary Jay’s Tax Office for over twenty-four years. During this time, Gary worked on his teacher’s certification and taught history in the Fort Worth ISD. In October, 2003, Gary drove back and forth to Abilene-- maintaining his tax business while teaching at Dunbar High School. On Thursdays, he came to the seventh floor of the Hospice wing at Hendrick Medical Center to sing to the patients in Hospice care.  It was there that he met “the love of his life”—Gail Swearengin. Their “ Endless Journey ” all started with a conversation regarding a picture of a grand piano on the wall! Gary’s smooth talking led to calling Gail for “dinner and a movie”—the rest is history.  Gary and Gail were married on July 2, 2005 on the stairway landing of the Shelton Building at Hendricks.

Gary’s tax practice has grown steadily throughout the past. Gary was an honest, caring businessman with a heart of gold! He served over 1,200 clients in West Texas and military personnel around the world. Gary’s “mission as a tax preparer” has made him humble, but giving. He prepared tax returns for the military in “harm’s way” pro bono. Gary always said he wanted them to “fly their mission instead of a desk”. He told them “Freedom isn’t Free!” Gary identified with those deploying the first time. For many years Gary served as Honorary Commander for the 7 ^th Component Maintenance Squadron at Dyess AFB, Texas. He loved working with the military!

Gary also had a love of sports—watching, participating, even coached when his children were young. Gary was a great fan—unless teams were losing! With all of this, Gary still found time to “give back to others” through various charities. He was a member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene for 34 years; served as Past President, VP and on the Board many times. He was a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ and past Board member of Christian Homes and Ben Richey Boys Ranch. Gary loved everyone and had a servant’s heart! He was an officer and singer of the ACU Alumni Chorus, who has had two selections included in Warren Beatty’s latest movie, “Rules Don’t Apply.”

Gary and Gail’s “ Endless Journey ” has taken them around the world on tours, numerous cruises, and several cross-country trips to the east and west coast of the United States and Canada. Gary sang with Chorus Abilene in Vienna, Krakow, Prague, Rome, and Athens. Sharing these travels together, Gail and Gary have many lasting memories. Their “ Endless Journey ” was to continue again to Europe where Gary was anxiously planning to sing in Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg. As a history fan, he anticipated seeing “Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest”. Along with traveling, he and Gail shared many special times, but on February 1, 2018, Gary answered God’s call and crossed the river into heaven. He was at his desk—doing what he loved to do. He is now “singing with the angels”, smiling down on those he loved.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Jewel Jay; his brothers Jerry Jay and James Eddie Jay; nephew Curtis Jay; and twin nieces.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gail; her children, Delena Caspell and husband, Andy of Abilene; Trent Swearengin and wife, Bonki, of Stephenville; Gary’s son, Dr. Tanner Jay of Tampa, Florida; daughters: Jennifer Lee and husband, Harold of Missouri City; and Torri Fears and husband, Matt of Ft. Worth; Grandchildren: Shaelee and Maddox Caspell; Tara and Tatum Swearengin; Easton and Colt Lee; and Taryn Fears; Sisters-in-law, Ann Jay of Granbury and Sue Jay of Anson; nieces, Debbie Williams and husband, Rocky of Abilene; Diane Davis and husband, Gary of Sebastopol, CA; and Jana Offutt and husband, Dave of Fort Worth; nephew, Keith Jay, of Arlington and as a host of friends and clients.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Holly Oliver, Chad Williams, Michelle Leinneweber, First Responders and Hendrick ER staff.