Jay Gannaway

Jay Theodore Gannaway, "Jaybird", left this world peacefully on August 21, 2025 attended by his loving wife Glenda.

Jay was born February 6, 1932 in Oklahoma City, OK. He was the devoted son of Virgil Theodore and Irma (Geer) Gannaway. Jay grew up in Tuttle, OK and worked in his father's pharmacy where he developed a strong work ethic and love of family. He received his master's degree at Oklahoma State University and married his first wife Charlotte (Inslee) in 1952. Jay and Charlotte had four children: Keith, Kathi, Kerry and Karolyn.

Jay decided to join the Air Force in 1954. The family began a life of travel as Jay learned to fly various aircraft but when stateside he always took his family back to Oklahoma to spend the holidays. Jay was a loving father and taught his children to swim, fish and golf and attended their sports and school activities.

In 1968, while Jay was assigned to a base in Thailand to provide air support for the Vietnam War, he flew with the prestigious Triple Nickel Squadron. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, once for destroying two important enemy targets and once for rescuing a downed aircrew member. This is the highest medal for aerial achievement in the US military, awarded to Air Force personnel for heroism or extraordinary achievement that is not routine. He was awarded the Air Medal 13 times for acts of heroism and outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. But Jay was most proud that he never missed a Christmas with his family; he fulfilled his required 100 missions in less than 11 months.

Among his other assignments Jay attended the Air War College, served as Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and was Base Commander of Diyarbakir Air Base, Turkey. He continued to receive numerous awards during his military career.

Jay and Charlotte divorced and Jay retired as a Colonel at Hill AFB, Utah. He married Glenda Widdison in 1980 and they began a life of travel, wintering in Mazatlan where they were active in the community.

Jay enjoyed golfing, fishing and boating on Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took them out on his boat when they visited. He shared his love of fishing and attended their activities whenever possible.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Virgil Theodore and Irma Gannaway, sister Gloria Ann Rawlings and daughter Ronda Widdison.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Glenda, and his five children:

Dr. Keith (Michelle) Gannaway; Kathrine (Michael) Perry; Kerry (Donna) Gannaway; Karolyn (Christopher) Cord; and Michael Widdison. Jay was proud to have 17 grandchildren including Krystal Rose, Jessica (Alan)Suarez, Cody Rose, Riley (Ali) Green, Trayson Green, and JJ Balaich as well as 20 great-grandchildren including Abrianna Zamora, Erik Suarez and Grayson Green.

Funeral services will be held at Myers Mortuary in Roy, Utah on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

Jay will be deeply missed and forever reside in our hearts.