Jay York

Hershel Jay York

August 19^th 1939 – January 21^st 2024

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

John 10: 27-28

Reverend Jay York, age 84 of Boaz Alabama, died on Sunday, January 21^st, at Marshall Medical Center South. 

Service will be held on Thursday, January 25^th, 2024, at eleven o’clock am at the McRae Chaple. Interment will follow in the Asbury Cemetery where he will lay in rest next to his beloved wife.  Visitation will be on Wednesday evening January 24, 2024, from 6 pm until 8 pm at the funeral home.

Jay was born in Alabama on August 19^th, 1939, to Eliza and James York.  He was the youngest of five children.  He graduated from DAR High School and received a Master’s degree in Religious Studies at Covington Theological Seminary. 

Jay met the love of his life, Martha Jean York, as a senior at DAR high school where he accepted a dare to whistle at the new teacher Jean.  Several years later, they fell in love and were married on March 3^rd, 1958. Jay enlisted in the Military and was stationed in Germany during his service in the United States Army.

Jay had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, and his laugh was infections to everyone around him.  He was a selfless man whose passing leaves an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones.  His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever engrained in all he knew.  He was dedicated to sharing the love of Christ.  An active member of the church, an ordained deacon, and an associate pastor.  He volunteered in Church planting, Childrens ministry, Sunday school, Bus captain/driver, Music minister, Christian school, and Coach.  All before accepting the call to Pastor Freedom Baptist Church in Boaz.  He was a devout member of Second Baptist Church in Boaz, Beth Haven Baptist Church in Crossville, Ruth Baptist Church in Boaz, and the Fellowship in Albertville for over sixty years. 

Jay had an entrepreneur spirit.  From J’s Surplus, Jean’s flowers & wedding rentals, J’s Auctions & associates, J&J grocery, to York’s barbershop in Boaz.  He was busy and enjoyed spending time working with Jean.  They could be found spending time at flea markets, trade day, auctions, yard sales, or at a Area High School basketball game.  He has been recognized and honored for his many accomplishments throughout his life, but being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather was his crowning achievement. 

Jay is survived by his sons: Michael York & Sherri of Rainsville, Jason York & Heather of Georgia, Daughter: Sanday & Terry Powell of Guntersville, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother: Eliza and his wife Jean York. 

The pallbearers will be Coby Greer, Jake York, Blake York, Bo York, Dustin Bryant, Peter Kopp and friends of the family.