OCEAN SPRING, Miss. — Gerald “Jay” Richard Vaughan Jr., age 51, passed away on April 3, 2016, at the Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. His family was by his side when he drifted off to be with the lord.
Jay was born on Aug. 21, 1964, in Vienna, Ga., to parents Gerald Richard Vaughan Sr. and Sally Vaughan Ethridge, both of Americus. He graduated from Dooly County High School in 1982, and went on to further his education at South Georgia Technical College where he studied drafting. He accepted a position at Davidson Rubber Co. in 1984, located in Americus. Later in life he went on to work for the City of Newnan at Newnan Utilities.
Family and friends were Jay’s love and joy. He wouldn’t hesitate to open his home for a celebration, being a simple barbecue or an over the top Christmas gathering. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his day in the yard landscaping and growing beautiful flowers. His friendliness and kindness to all people is a tribute to the beauty of his heart and soul. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him.
In addition to his parents, Jay is remembered with love by his sister, Jodi Vaughan of Bradenton, Fla.; his brother, Jamey Vaughan and his wife Nicole, of Senoia, Ga.; his stepdad, Ronald Ethridge of Americus, Ga.; and his niece and nephews Jonathan Wallace and Rachel and Brookins Vaughan. He is preceded in death by his sister, Johnna Vaughan, who passed in 2003. He also leaves behind a lot of caring relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 7, 2016, at Salem United Methodist Church, located at 903 Upper River Road, Americus, Ga. 31709. Pastor Lawrence Wiggins will be officiating. A “Celebration of Life” reception will follow and will be hosted at Sheppard House, located at 1608 E. Forsyth St., Americus, Ga. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jay’s life. The family would like to thank all those who cared for Jay at Ocean Springs Hospital as well as Salem United Methodist Church and Sheppard House.