Elton Edward Jay Jr.

Elton Edward Jay, Jr. 

October 12, 1937 – January 26, 2024

Mr. Elton E. Jay, Jr. died peacefully early on Friday, January 26, surrounded by family. 

He was born October 12, 1937, in Savannah, TN, son of the late Elton Edward Jay, Sr. and Virginia Hurst Jay. He was adopted at an early age after the death of his parents by the late Forrest and Gertie Hurst Morrow, the sister and brother-in-law of his mother.  

He married Sonia Fay Haynes, on May 19, 1963 in Sardis, MS.  She was the love of his life and best friend for over 60 years. 

Elton graduated from Batesville High School and from Mississippi State University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He was a Professional Engineer and began his career working with the Mississippi State Highway Department under the Cooperative Program in 1956. After graduation, he worked with the MSHD in Batesville, the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Missouri and the Army Corps of Engineers in Memphis before beginning his career with the Federal Aviation Administration there in 1970. Moving to Brandon in 1974, he continued with the FAA before retiring in December 1996 as Principal Engineer in the Jackson, MS Airports District Office. Elton was then employed by the Mississippi Department of Transportation as the State Aeronautics Director for 10 years before retiring in June 2007.

Upon his retirement, the FAA Southern Region presented him its highest honor, The Kitty Hawk Award, recognizing him for the contributions in providing leadership in planning and developing safe and efficient airports in Mississippi while serving as the Aeronautics Director. He was an active member of the National Association of State Aviation Officials and served as a Director for the FAA Southern Region. Also a member of the Mississippi Airport’s Association, he was appointed a lifetime member of the Board of Directors upon retirement. 

He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for 36 years and received numerous awards and citations.   After serving in various command and staff assignments in the 108^th Armored Cavalry Squadron, State Inspector General and Coordinator of the State Marksmanship program, he ended his career as a Colonel and Base Commander at the Camp McCain Training Site. Upon his retirement, he was promoted to Brigadier General.

Elton was a long time member of the Brandon Presbyterian church where he served as a Deacon and was Elder Emeritus at the time of his death.

He was a loyal supporter of Mississippi State University and enjoyed attending football games with Sonia for many years. Other activities included serving on the Rankin County School Board for 12 years and he was actively involved in the organization of the Brandon Soccer league and the first coach of the Brandon High School soccer team.

In addition to his parents and adopted parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Lee Jay.  He is survived by his wife, Sonia, daughter, Beth Jay Coleman (Tony), sons, Rob (Tammie) and Mike (Sharon), sister Darryl Perkins (Eddie) and 12 grandchildren, Jay Coleman, Katie Jay, Nathan Jay, Emily Jay, McKenzie Jay, Brennan Jay, Isaac Jay, Caleb Jay, Caroline Jay, Graham Jay, Emily Roumen and Libbey Roumen; great granddaughters Ellie Crawford and Madison Eve Park; sisters-in-law, Sandra Haynes Baronowski (Lenny),  sister-in-law, Mary Speed Jay and brother-in-law, Bob Haynes (Joyce).

The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Elton's name. 

If you would like to view the livestream funeral service for Mr. Elton Edward Jay Jr., please click the link below:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=254ae7f0-81ce-49ed-b03b-1be55fdfc66f