Jay C. "Lebanon" Nuckols

Jay C. Nuckols was born March 20, 1943 in Glasgow, Kentucky to Christopher and Nellie Nuckols. He passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was eighty-two years, 5 months and six days of age. Jay lived most of his life in E. Peoria, Illinois and had a thirty-two year career with Caterpillar Corporation. He enjoyed building heavy equipment and made many friends along the way while working for Caterpillar. On December 9, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judith (Judy) Ball and they lovingly raised their family and made many wonderful memories together. Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Nellie; and two brothers, Larry and Mike Nuckols. He is survived by his wife, Judy of the home in Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, Rob Nuckols and his wife Cory of Normal, Illinois and Rick Nuckols and his wife Myra of Bloomington, Illinois; his daughter, Julie Nuckols of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandchildren, Megan Rose and Heather Ann; five great-grandchildren, Elysia, Emberly, Eleanor, Emalyn and Addilyn; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Jay was a big NASCAR fan and loved following the sport and the drivers. He enjoyed having a garden, camping and being outside. He had moved to Lebanon twenty-three years ago and liked the beauty and tranquility of the Missouri Ozarks. He and Judy loved taking vacations to Florida. Jay had attended Southern Heights Christian Church for the past several years and he enjoyed his church family very much. Jay loved his family very much and enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a good man who always tried to do the right thing. We celebrate his life and know his family will cherish the memories he made for them.