John L Hay Jr.

On Tuesday April 30, 2024, the Rev John L. Hay Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One of the 4th generation of family members born in St. Petersburg, FL. he attended the former Dixie Hollins High School graduating in 1971. Originally a loyal union plumber by trade in the family business, John answered the lord’s call to the ministry in 1982. His advanced education began with an Associate degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, before ultimately earning his Master’s Degree in Divinity from seminary via Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Rev Hay was an Elder in the Florida United Methodist conference and retired in 2017 after 31 years of faithful service. He initially served as an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Ocala, FL. before being appointed to Crawfordville UMC, where he was the longest tenured pastor at 9 years. Other appointments included United Methodist Churches in Macclenny, FL; Mariner UMC in Spring Hill, FL; before finishing up his active ministry at First UMC Live Oak, FL. He also served others through numerous mission trips both within the U.S. as well as the Caribbean and South America. He was preceded in death by his parents John L. Hay Sr. and Marian M. Hay also both of St. Petersburg. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 51 years: Marie (Davidson) Hay; 2 sisters Martha Stirk (Gary), Irene Crady (Terry) as well as his 2 sons: John Frank Hay (Christy), James Robert Hay (Wendy) and 7 grandchildren including: James Michael (Ashley), Seth Jonathan, Taylor Marie, Madison Leslie, Kobe Ryan, Kylie Nicole and Eli Joseph Hay. As well as numerous, cousins, nieces/nephews, and friends that he led to Christ through his ministry. A celebration of Life is scheduled for 10:00am Saturday May 4th at Crawfordville UMC. It will be immediately followed by a breakfast in his honor for family and close friends afterward in the fellowship hall. Skip and Trey Young, along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family with arrangements. 850-926-5919, www.familyfhc.com

John L Hay Jr.

August 2, 1953 - April 30, 2024