Jason (Jay) Clay Lewis, age 96, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Jay was born on April 8, 1930, in Heiskell, TN.
Jay served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a photographer on the U.S.S. Princeton. While stationed in San Diego, CA. he received his GED and was later awarded a PhD in fatherhood from his loving sons, as he was best. After the service, Jay worked at K-25 in Oak Ridge, continuing his love for photography. Jay was a man of faith, extremely patient, kind, and quiet; however, he was known to pull a few practical jokes on family and friends. Jay loved camping and boating and at the age of 80, put on a pair of skis to enjoy the simple pleasures of lake life.
Jay was preceded in death by his wives, Deloris Mitchell Lewis, mother of his children; and Bertie F. Gooch; his mother and father, Myrtle and Obe West; and brother, Wilburn West (Phyllis).
He is survived by his spouse, Margaret S. Willard; children; Jeff Lewis and wife Pam; and Steve Lewis and wife Susan; grandchildren, Casey (Aaron Wise; Jason (Wendi) Lewis; Tim Lewis; and Stephanie (Tyler) Smith; great grandchildren, Eva and Obe Wise; Jayce and Clay Lewis; and Caden Smith; brother Dan (Brenda) West; and sister, Obilee (Kenny) Rhyne.
Jay was a member of Woodland Park Baptist Church in his earlier years and later in life, he and Margaret were members of Central Baptist Church, both in Oak Ridge.
A visitation and burial is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 at Woodhaven Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Powell, TN. Visitation: 12:30-1:30pm; burial at 2:00pm/
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Pat Summitt Foundation in the fight against Alzheimer's. Online donations can be made at https://patsummitt.org or mailed to P.O. Box 31002, Knoxville, TN. 37930.
The family would like to thank CNS Cares nurses for their passionat care of Jay during the last few years, along with Hospice during his final days.