William Todd Jay

1978 - 2023

William Todd Jay of Maryville, Tennessee passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 21, 2023, after a courageous battle with a rare liver disease. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 25, 1978, Will was the youngest of three children. After attending Ben Franklin High School, Will moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee where he competed in track and field. In 2009, Will competed in the World Transplant Games in Australia, where he won four gold medals. He went on to coach high school track where he touched the lives of hundreds of athletes throughout his coaching career. His team and individual athletes have won numerous state championships, and in 2016, he was named Prep Xtra Coach of the Year in Girl's Track and Field, after leading his team to a third-place finish in the AAA State Championships. Will was a loving husband and father to his wife, Hannah Jay, and two sons, Alex and Carter Jay. He could often be found at the track with his sons or putting his woodworking skills to use fixing up his new home. He cherished weekends in the backyard with his family. Will is preceded in death by his sister, Kristi Grounds. He is survived by his parents Webb and Jane Jay, his brother James Jay (Sarah), and a host of nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Will's Life will be held at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, 3508 Wildwood Rd., in Maryville, on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 3:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Will's memory to Donate Life Tennessee, 566 Mainstream Drive, Suite 300, Nashville TN 37228 or PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, 6900 E. Belleview Ave. Suite 202, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865) 6WE-Care (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.