Jerry Dennis Bay

Jerry Dennis Bay, 67 of Conroe, Texas, passed away Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at his home that he shared with his wife of 41 years, who cared for him through his 6 year battle with Parkinson's. He was born February 2,1958 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Robert and Carol Rutledge Bay. He is survived by his mother; Carol Bay of Ellington, Missouri; loving wife Lena Willene Faith Bay of Conroe, Texas, his daughter Cassie (Jesse) Smith of Abilene, Texas with grandpups Shadow and Bandit, his son Cory (Priscilla) Bay of Conroe, Texas; grandchildren, Olivia Bay (12), Zeppelin Bay(8), Truman Bay(3) of Conroe, Texas; with grandcats Charlie and Clementine. Two sisters, Vicki (Steve) Holt and Anne Marie Shepard, brother Michael Bay, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert L Bay, two older brothers Robert K Bay and Robert L Russell, Aunt Judy Lee Shockley, cousin, Donnie Rutledge, two of his best friends Doug Marlowe and Dale Pierce, and neighbor of 41 years, Linda Wright.
He graduated from Macomb High School in 1976, The Bombers. One of the many highlights of his high school career was when he hit both ends of a one and one with 11 seconds remaining in the game, which proved to be the margin of victory in Macomb's 68-64 victory over Chicago Quigley South.
Jerry served in the United States Airforce, working as a heavy equipment operator-US. Air Force 1977 to 1981. In grade of SRA
USAFE Bitburg Barons Football, 1978; Jerry Bay was credited with the stick of the week for the tackle he made and the fumble he caused on the opening kickoff. Showing the play several times to the large crowd at the luncheon, Raetz narrated, "Watch Jerry coming in from the left. Watch him launch like a rocket-boom!" That set the tempo for the entire game, according to Raetz, as the Barons went on to defeat the Hawks 45-6.
Maintenance Specialist at Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America, Sayr; Oklahoma. 1982 to 1986
2 year; Technical Degree, INS-INTEXT, Scranton, Pa, 1987
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician, Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America, New Caney, Texas. 03/24/1986 to 04/02/1998
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician, TETRA Process Service, Inc. Houston, Texas. 09/10/1998 to 2001
Worked for Ball Corporation from 2001-2023. Where he was an electrician and met lifelong friends who have become family. During breaks they morphed into crossword masters.
He lived most of his life in Conroe, Texas, and enjoyed being outside in the swimming pool. He'd yell Alexa "play best of classic rock" with a beer and cigarette in each hand, playing with his grandchildren. Horseshoe tournaments at cook-offs, and the annual Bay Family reunion river trip were what he looked forward to the most. Floating the Current River with family and best friends Donnie Fisher and the late Dale Pierce. Two Piece Tuesday was his favorite day, which meant he was eating chicken. His medical team and caregivers were taught about this day and how VERY IMPORTANT food was to him. He was always hungry. Ivette Gallaga was one of his favorite caregivers. Who became our family. We wouldn't have made it through without her. Always right by his side and always helping his wife Lena with everyday chores.
Christmas was his favorite holiday. He would set up the camcorder on the tripod and record us unwrapping presents. These are now wonderful memories to watch. We will miss watching our parents play jarts "lawn darts" while Poppy, Grandma, Uncle Rob, Aunt Vick, and Uncle Steve play cards, the kids play, and I annoy everyone with the camcorder.
A lifelong Green Bay Packers fan who disliked the Dallas Cowboys. One of his cherished items was his Green Bay Packers blanket.
Favorite line- Let's get a move on!
He was a Champion, Strong, Smart, Kind, Funny; a friend who would always help you with no cost. A good Samaritan to all.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
The First Celebration of Life will be held on his 68th birthday; Groundhogs Day at 10am, Monday, February 2nd, 2026; at McNutt Funeral Home. Conroe, Texas.
Second Celebration of Life will be in Macomb, Illinois; in June for the Macomb High School class of 1976 reunion, during Heritage days 50th; additional information soon to come.
Third Celebration of Life will be held in Van Buren, Missouri. His ashes will be, spread over Current River to join his brother Robert K Bay who preceded him in death one year before. At the Annual Bay reunion float trip; additional information soon to come.
His instructions were no tears, no sad service, only a celebration of his life and the memories we all hold for a life to be honored. In his name. Please bring photos and stories of your life with Jerry D Bay. To send flowers to the family of Jerry, please visit our floral store.