Jay Edward Lea Jr.

November 28, 1932 - March 27, 2019

Jay Edward Lea Jr. of Charlotte, a man with a strong work ethic who knew how to work hard, died March 27, 2019 at the age of 86. Born November 28, 1932 to J.T. and Helen (Kellogg) Lea, Jay grew up knowing what you could accomplish when you worked hard. Jay was married to Patricia (Seamark) Lea, for 33 years and they had five children. After 33 years of marriage, Pat died in 1984 and Jay married Donna Lea in 1987, gaining three wonderful step-children. Jay worked at Oldsmobile for 13 years, and then opened his own business, Jay Lea Builders, from which he retired in 2007. A devoted friend and family man, Jay loved spending time with his many grandchildren, and as a friend to many he made daily phone calls to check on those he cared about. Some of his favorite activities included building (he truly enjoyed his work), woodworking, fishing, camping, time spent at the Thornapple River, and he loved western movies. Jay is survived by his wife of 32 years, Donna; children, Rick (Becky), Rod (Trudy) Lea, and Tim (Rosanne) Lea, Karen (Kenny) Lea-Freeman; step-children, Chris Florian, Marlene (Jody) Promer, Amy (Jeremy) Nierenberger; daughter-in-law, Jeryl Powers; 28 grandchildren, Ryan, Chris, Lynette, Jenny, BJ, Andrea, Brennaman, Claire, Nick, Thomas, Bryianna, Corey, Heather, Darren, Amari, Brasia, Chavon, Logan, Tyler, Braylee, Timothy, Lawrence, Larenz, Lawrencia, LaRiyiah, Harmonee, Imoni, and Marquan; 16 great-grandchildren, Logan, Ariya, Maryjo, Catherine, Ashley, McKayla, Shelby, Parker, Esa, Oakley, Audrina, Miles, Decklan, Jackson, Mavric, and Charlotte; brothers, Ronald "Sonny," Albert "Aggie" Lea (Carolyn Toll); brother-in-law, Larry Towe; sisters-in-law, Jean Broskey and Ellie Vaughan; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia; son, Randy Lea; infant grandson, Brent Allen Lea; sisters, Charlotte and Joyce Towe; sister-in-law, Alvetta Lea; and his parents. Friends are encouraged to support Jay's family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, March 30, 2019, 10:00 AM at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Krueger officiating. Visitation is Friday, March 29, 7-9:00 PM at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jay on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.