Jay W. Denton, 84, of Roan Mountain, went home to be with his Lord and his beloved wife, whom he longed to see, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, from Johnson City Medical Center. Jay was born in Memphis, Tenn., on May 29, 1931 to the late Egbert Valentine and Inez Gore Denton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda June Denton; his brother, Billy Denton; his sister, Inez “Sissy” Burnham; and a granddaughter, Desireah Denton.
Jay grew up in Shaw, Miss., as a farm boy, working in the cotton and soybean field. At the age of 18 he joined the United States Air Force, serving for 22-1/2 years, during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Thailand he was detailed to Laos and in that hostile environment, he received the Bronze Star. He was very proud to have played on the Delta State Champion Football Team at his school. After his military service, he continued his education in Industrial Education. He taught at Herman Robinson Vocational School and at Happy Valley High School, as an instructor in mechanical drawing.
He was a member of Roan Mountain First Baptist Church for more than 30 years and had served as Deacon for many years. He was also a member of Gideons International. He loved spending time with his family and loved to laugh with everyone, especially eating, talking and laughing with his family. Jay loved to bring joy to all those he met, laughter was a big part of his life. He loved to pay for the widows of the church to go eat meals, money did not possess him and he enjoyed helping others through his generosity. He loved the outdoors, fishing, loved his church and his friends.
Those left to cherish his memory include three sons, Terry W. Denton and wife Joyce, Roan Mountain, Jay G. Denton and wife Liz, Elizabethton, and U.S. Navy Capt. Danny W. Denton and wife Tammy, Charleston, S.C.; four grandchildren, Isaac W. Denton and wife Shawna, Mountain Home, Idaho, Caleb Denton and wife Nicole, Elizabethton, Tryphena Layman and husband Travis, Sevierville, Tenn., and Kevin Denton and wife Erin, Fairfax, Va.; eight grandchildren, Seamus Denton, Elijah Denton, Desirae Layman, Arabelle Layman, Selah Denton, Kelsey Denton, Avery Denton and Cole Denton; two nephews, Charles Burnham, New Orleans, and Billy Burnham, Los Angeles, Calif.; and two nieces, Barbara Greene, Flintstone, Ga., and Jean Roane, Water Valley, Miss.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Jay W. Denton was conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, November 13, at Roan Mountain First Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Lusk, Rev. Garry Edwards and Rev. Geren Street officiating. Music was under the direction of Tryphena Layman and Charlotte Smith. The family received friends at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. Friends may call at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at Johnson Roanview Cemetery in Roan Mountain. Active pallbearers will be Harold Morrell, Stacy Archer, Lynn Ellis, Danny Little, Mike Nidiffer and John Campbell. Honorary pallbearers will be L.D. Barnett, Mike Ellis, members of Roan Mountain First Baptist Church and members of Carter County Gideon Camp. The family would like to extend a special thank you to John and Brenda Campbell, for all the love and support given to Jay. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to Gideons International, 609 E. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 in honor of Jay. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website,www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Denton family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.