Jay Kelley

Kelley, Jay Russell (affectionately known as Granddaddy) of Pinson, AL went to his eternal home on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at the age of 84. He was born on March 23, 1937 in Jefferson County, AL. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 62 years Gail Blankenship Kelley; his parents, Frank and Mabel Kelley; and his sister, Betty Kelley Finch. He is survived by his dedicated and devoted daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia Kelley Grant and husband, Ronnie of Pell City, AL; Jaycylyn Kelley Nail and husband, Chris of Clay, AL; his five cherished grandchildren, Kelleyne Grant; Jayron Grant and wife, Shelby; Caycyn Grant Sanford and husband, Derek, all of Pell City, AL; Jaycy Nail of Montgomery, AL, and Jake Nail of Clay, AL; and his five beloved great-grandchildren, Kera Grant, Caulyer and Caynah Grant, and Caylacyn and Kenlee Sanford; his brother/best friend, and sister-in-law Bill and Marion Kelley; and his sister-in-law, Brenda (Larry) Blankenship; and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, and friends. Jay was a born-again Christian. He attended Tarrant First United Methodist Church and then Rock-First United Methodist Church when the churches merged. Jay grew up in Tarrant Heights and attended Tarrant High School where he met his wife, Gail; was the quarterback of the Tarrant Wildcats; lettered in all four sports; and was named “Best Personality” by his Senior Class. After high school he was recruited by Coach Bobby Bowden to South Georgia State College, but after a recurring knee injury, he chose wisely to come home and marry Gail, the love of his life. They were married on June 29, 1957 and made their home in Tarrant where they were soon blessed with their daughters, Cynthia and Jaycylyn. Jay attended UAB and studied mechanical engineering and drafting. He began working at Hayes Aircraft and was later employed at Shook and Fletcher Insulation. During this time, Jay was a member of the National Guard where he served in the Air Force. He was an over-achiever and before the age of 30, Jay opened his own business, Commercial and Industrial Insulation, and a few years later, Insulation Contractors. He developed several patents which were used in the insulation industry. Having lived in Tarrant since birth, Jay and Gail decided to move to Pinson, AL in 1981 into the home Jay designed and built. During this time at the age of 43, he retired from the insulation business and purchased Cumberland Lake Country Club in Pinson. In his later years, he became a published author, patented the Jay Block, and formed two additional companies –All Walls, Inc. and Jay Wall. Through the years he kept his mind active and was always looking for the next big idea or project. He loved to read, was an avid golfer, participated in all sports, and loved Alabama football. Jay's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were each the apple of his eye, and he invested his time and wisdom in each of them. He shared with them his love of God, family, and country. He expressed how he learned at a very young age that his motto was “I love LOVE, and I hate HATE.” He had a loving and caring heart and used his knowledge and life experiences to better himself and others. Jay would be the first person to tell you he was a sinner and fell short of the Glory of God, but he was a believer of Jesus Christ and began sharing the Word of God and his love for Jesus with his daughters when they were young. Because of his acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, along with that of his wife, Gail, they have left the most important legacy they could for their family – Salvation and Eternal Life through the Grace of God and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Funeral Service will be on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Jefferson Memorial Trussville with visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm. Service conducted by Pastor Sam Frazier of Rock-First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in the Garden of the Good Shepherd.