Jay Apley

jay apley

April 23, 1966 ~ August 30, 2021

Born in: Warren, Michigan
Resided in: Winder, Georgia

Lester Jason Apley (known by most as Jay or Pops), 55, of Winder, GA passed away on August 30, 2021. He was born on April 23,1966 in Warren, MI. On April 6, 1984, Jay married his soul mate, Renã Apley. Jay was a hard worker and ended his almost 37-year career with Pike Electric as a safety specialist. He loved linelife with Pike from day-to-day aspect to the chasing of a storm. He lived for storm trouble saying, “He was everyone’s favorite pole dancer because he would turn you on.” He always said he was going to bleed Pike yellow until the day he died. That’s exactly what he did. Jay was also a very proud graduate from Duluth High School, but his major accomplishment was a degree in safety from Georgia Tech. He was a very proud member of the Duluth Masonic Lodge, which followed in the family legacy with the Masons. Anyone who knew Jay also knows how much he loved his pups and the rabbit. Those who knew him may not know about his many special talents from artwork (drawing and airbrushing) to his politically incorrect poetry and rewording of songs.

Jay is survived by family, blood and chosen, as well as many friends. Renã Apley (wife), Holly Apley (daughter), Haley “Tink” Apley (granddaughter), Lester & Karen Apley (parents), Cindy Rose (sister), Connie Barrett (sister), Jason Apley (nephew), Cassie Apley (niece), Glen J Tiberghien (nephew), Amanda Kennedy (niece), Huey Hitchcock (chosen son), Breanna Shaver (very special chosen daughter), Tiffany Johnson (chosen daughter), Cece Landress (chosen sister), and Christana Woodruff (chosen niece). Jay also had two extremely special grandsons Grayson and Ethan Shaver. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, several aunts and uncles, his older sister Carrie Raby, Hal Ruark (his line wife), and Sammy Goad (his Pike Pops).

In lieu of flowers a special savings account has been set up for his granddaughter, Haley “Tink” Apley. She was his world and little buddy, who thinks her Pops walks on water. He wanted to give her the world and this is a way he still can. To contribute to this account, contact his daughter, Holly Apley.

The family will have a visitation for Jay at Wages & Sons Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, GA on September 18, 2021 from 1-3 pm immediately followed by the service.

Services

Visitation: September 18, 2021 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

770-277-4550

Memorial Service: September 18, 2021 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wages & Sons Gwinnett Chapel
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

770-277-4550

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. CandleImageJay could always be counted on to bring a smile and a kind word when you needed it. He was as solid as any man could be. A man who loved his family and absolutely showed it to everyone and anyone who listened to him talk more than two minutes. Jay was “good people”. My heart absolutely breaks for y’all. Know that I’m keeping you in my prayers. Praying for your comfort during this time of sorrow.

  2. Jay ….where do I even begin?? We were friends all through high school and beyond. You and Rena were always there for my Andrew. I will never forget how on your birthday, you stopped grilling to go and get my husband from the hospital, as I was 700 miles away with Andrew. Jay you were the best unbrother I could ever ask for……Elvis shows won’t be the same without you…..Love the (Patulski Family) Chris, Alyson, Aubrey and Andrew

  3. CandleImageJay was an amazing man. He loved his family anyone could see that. He had a wonderful smile and laugh. He will be truly missed. Sending our love to the family.

  4. CandleImageRena, Holly, and Haley.

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know there are no comforting words for such a big loss but please know we really liked Jay. He was such a good man and always made me chuckle whenever I would see him. My heart really breaks for you all.

    May his sweet soul Rest In Peace eternally.

    Liz and kids.

  5. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this tragic emotional time. Love from Georgia and The Thomas/Wright Crew

  6. Our family loves the Apley family. During those years of travel softball, Jay was so giving to everyone, and could always make me laugh. He loved his family, and it was easy to see that he loved life. A sweet soul like Jay’s leaves imprints on our hearts, that will never go away. God bless and comfort all who hold him dear. I’m sure it is a very long list.
    Thanks for all the smiles, Jay.

  7. CandleImageTinker Rena and Holly.. and all the people that loved Jay… there aren’t words enough to say what a great man..grandpa and husband Jay was… he was truly one of the good guys… someone to admired and respected for his love of family..nation..and God. I will surely miss this huge hearted man… he made me a better man by knowing him…rest in peace my friend.

  8. CandleImageMany prayers for the family. I went to school with Jay, and was fortunate to reconnect on Facebook where I got to experience the beautiful love he had for Rena (even with his sarcastic comments). Very beautiful, and it was very apparent how much he loved her.

    I also enjoyed the pictures that he shared with Tink, and how much he adored her. She will never forget those moments with her grandpa.

    Love and Prayers for All!

  9. I’m still in shock and disbelief. Pops you were taken way too soon. You will never be forgotten. I promise I will be my very best to keep Holly in line and be there for Tink and Rena. You were one of the good ones. Love you.

  10. CandleImageThe Strong family is praying for the Apley family. May Heavenly Father bless y’all with comfort and peace.

  11. CandleImageWords cannot heal your pain, remember the good thoughts and that Jay will always be with you. He’s getting a lot of boxer hugs and kisses.

  12. Jay the Magnificient. Oh my he and his family really taught me a lot about love and caring. I still can’t believe he has left us. Heartbreak. So many great things planned for the future, but all the plans included him. He is an inspiration to all he met. He left you smiling always. He was the best father and husband ! Caring and loving came naturally to him. He and Holly took my daughter out on the ice when she was little. They had her skating and laughing… doing flips on the ice her first time on the ice. We all became family during that time and had lots of great times afterwards. I can hear him fussing with God… He was always the responsible one and loved his life on earth. and I know they are fussing… Jay is telling him he needs to stay on earth and continue the life he had given him… He knows he is needed hear. But I can hear God saying…. the Girls… Rena, Holly, and Tink are strong. You will see them one day, but for now I need you at my side. Those of us left behind will all miss Jay. There is only one Jay!! Loving you always.

  13. CandleImageMy heartfelt condolences to you and all his family. I’ve known Jay since we were 4 years old. I have so many memories of him including”collecting worms” after it rained for my dad when he went fishing and the crabapple fights we used to have with the kids on his street. He was truly a great man and still can’t believe he’s gone. May he rest in peace ????

  14. CandleImageWhen I heard the news, I thought you playing a joke. When I realized that it was true,, i wept for the entire family. Jay, you were truly a great person to know. You will be missed by all that got the pleasure to meet you.

  15. CandleImageJay was a great person, I have great memories of him that I will always cherish! Jay always was like a brother to me, when I was 8 or so at one of the parties at the Brendle house hold my Mom told me I had to go to bed and Jay talked her in to letting me stay up so I could get his beers all night.I would have done anything to stay up and hang out with my brothers and their friends! As I grew up over the years, I would get a random message from Jay that would say: How are you doing, NOW GET ME A BEER! I will always have a beer on ice for you Jay, RIP Brother!

  16. CandleImageJay will be missed greatly he was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the happy and loving memories fill your hearts and thoughts in time of sorrow.

  17. CandleImageI will miss my friend and co-worker. Jay always made me laugh. He loved life to the fullest! He will never be forgotten by his Pike family.

    Prayers to the family. Hold strong to our Lord and he will carry you through this.

  18. CandleImageJay always helped at the Big E Fest and just weeks ago played a prison guard in a skit I organized. He was a good man who always made me laugh. He will truly be missed. I’ve never known anyone who could whistle as loud as Jay.

  19. CandleImageRena and Holly,
    Jay was a funny guy, who made me laugh with his comebacks. I will miss him and the times we had in Dollywood. Remember the good times you spent together. Your in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in the LORD’S Care.


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