Jay A. Houtz

Jay A Houtz age 92 of Orrville, Ohio, entered into rest on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Wayne County Care Center in Wooster following a period of declining health.
Known as Jaybird or Boss to friends and always Dad, Gramps, Brother & Uncle to family.
Born in Canton, Ohio to Roy and Dorothy Houtz June 18th, 1932.
He is survived by his children, Susan (Tom) Snader of Orrville Ohio, Joanne (Dave) Albright of Smithville Ohio, Jayne (Marty) Davis of Keller, Texas, and Jay (Deanna) Houtz II of Wooster Ohio; grandchildren, Candi Snader-Coone (John) of Smithville Ohio, Shannon Albright (Kerri), great grandson Rhys of Wooster Ohio, Joseph Albright (Jen) of Canal Fulton Ohio, Jessica Albright of Smithville Ohio, Jonlyn Hartzler (Neal) of Lakeville Ohio Jenna Houtz; great granddaughter Rylee of Wooster Ohio, Jarah Houtz of Massillon Ohio and Jason Houtz of Wooster Ohio; a sister Jean Risaliti of Redlands CA.; a stepson Ray Bridges of Missouri who kept close ties to Jay wherever he was; many nieces and nephews in California and Oregon.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother Bob Houtz; a sister Betty Houtz; and a brother-in-law Fred Risaliti
Jay left behind many special friends in Harrison Arkansas when he moved to Ohio to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Dwight (Cindi) Miller and their extended family, Deb White and Ruby Greenlee. He loved & missed them all greatly.
Many more friends not mentioned as he had made his home in Harrison Arkansas for more than 40 plus years.
During his convalescence he befriended many of the staff and residents at the Wayne County Care Center. They helped make it a home for Jay. His granddaughter Candi kept him busy with projects and covered for him when he ventured off the path.
Did he venture! He wore the tread off several sets of tires on his Zinger chair. The staff were hard pressed to keep up with him as he zipped down the halls or did donuts in the snow with other residents in their motorized chairs. Even losing his leg at 86 didn't slow him down; he learned to walk with a prosthesis with the help of Kayla Byler and a great therapy team.
Automobiles were in his blood. He owned and operated Texaco service stations for over 40 years. Even after retiring he operated his own auto repair shop for several years. As a NASCAR racing enthusiast, Jay spent a few years of his life building race car engines. One was in the Genie Corsair MK5 raced by Jerry Titus, as well as engines for Carroll Shelby and Dan Blocker of Bonanza fame. He also invented some engine parts and often just fun things like a motorized bar stool. He even restored a 1947 Indian motorcycle from parts he found scattered about his brother's barn.
Gardening was another of his passions and his hands brought forth giant tomatoes and an infinite supply of luffa sponges. Those without his green thumb also enjoyed this bounty as he loved to share. Despite losing a leg, the "Tomato Man" worked a small garden on the patio at the Wayne County Care Center. He sat out there all hours of the day waving at all that came down the road.
Jay took his chances with lottery scratch-off tickets and spent hours at the casino slot machines waiting for the payout. But he never lost the chance to open his home or befriend those that needed a place to get back on their feet. He was a proud lifelong member of the Elks in Harrison, Arkansas.
On behalf of Jay, we extend our sincere gratitude to all the WCCC staff that so graciously cared for him and put up with his crazy antics.
In lieu of flowers on behalf of Jay and his family we ask that you contribute to St Jude's, your own local Humane Society, or a charity organization close to your heart.
At the wishes of Jay, it will be a private interment.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is assisting the family
Private or public condolences may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com