Jay R. Judy was born on August 1, 1935, in Lake County, Florida, the youngest of 12 children, to Joe Leathers and Ettie Colombus Judy. He passed peacefully at home on March 24, 2025. Jay graduated from Clermont High School in 1953 and joined the Air Force where he worked on some of the earliest computers, used for coding and decoding messages. After retiring he returned to Clermont and became a plumbing contractor; retired again after 20 years and then started a business providing pressure washing services. He eventually retired at the age of 82 after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease. He continued to enjoy fishing, watching Gator football, and rocking grandbabies until his final days.

Jay married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Grace McCain, on November 12, 1955, and they started the family that he cherished all his life. Colleen remained the love of his life, and he was hers, for over 70 years. Their children married and remained close to the family home in Clermont and were with him and their mother when he passed away. He is survived by Colleen, all four of his children – Dennise Judy (Dan Kyle), Michael (Teresa), Lorrie Franklin (Steve), and Jeriann Smith (Glenn) – nine grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Jay loved music, had a beautiful baritone singing voice, and sang in the choir at all his church homes from Florida to Hawaii and Japan. He took his family camping and to see the iconic sites in all the wonderful places they lived. He instilled a love of nature that they continue to embrace. He worked hard all his life but always had time for family and friends. Honesty and integrity were the attributes he emphasized throughout his life and are what everyone who knew him will remember. Jay epitomized what it meant to be a good Christian, a true patriot, and an excellent husband, father, and grandfather. He is sorely missed but has gone to the place prepared for him all his life.

His funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 8 at 2pm.