Richard Jay Webster

Richard Jay Webster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2004, at his home in Kodak, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents Geneva (Denton) and James Webster. Mr. Webster (known as Jay by his family and friends) was born on November 8, 1923, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1942. He proudly served in the U. S. Army during WWII, where he was stationed in Italy. He married Gertrude Ann Lindgren in Ashland, Wisconsin in 1944. Jay graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1953 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was employed at AC Electronics which later became Delco Electronics, a division of General Motors, for his entire working career of thirty-six years. Jay continued his Army career in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Jay and Gert raised their three daughters in Franklin, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee. In 1973, Jay was transferred to Southern California, where they made their home in Goleta, CA, until Jay retired. The Websters then returned to Jay’s home state and built their retirement home in Kodak. He was committed to serving his church and community. He belonged to the Goleta Presbyterian Church (CA), the Seymour Presbyterian Church (TN) and most recently Kodak United Methodist Church. He served his church and community in many capacities including recently on the board of Sunset Gap Community Center. Mr. Webster is a long time member of the Masonic Order. Mr. Webster is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Gertrude; his daughters Annette (Russell) Port of Duluth, MN, Sandra (Alana) Leigh-Schilling of San Francisco, CA, and Pamela (Jeff) Ebert of Franklin, WI; his grandchildren Eva (Darrin) Berg of Duluth, MN, Jason Port of Las Vegas, NV, Benjamin (Lori) Port of Maple Grove, MN, Victoria (Aaron) Lauber of Milwaukee, WI, Lovenia Leigh-Schilling, of San Francisco, CA, Kristin Ebert and John Ebert of Milwaukee, WI; his great-grandchildren Gina, Angelea, Austin, and Dylan Berg, Jacob Port, Sydney and Grace Port, and Brielle and Anna Lauber. He is also survived by his brother Donald (Dorothy) Webster of Knoxville, TN, his sister Glenda (Robert) Crowley of Albuquerque, NM, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Webster will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family is most grateful to Baptist Hospice for their help and support. We appreciate the many kindnesses shown to us by family and friends and, especially, the members of Kodak United Methodist Church. A memorial service honoring Jay will be held 7 PM Thursday, October 28th, at Kodak United Methodist Church with Rev. David Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends 6-7 PM Thursday at Kodak United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Baptist Hospice Basket Volunteer Fund, P.O. Box 22, Knoxville, TN, 37901, or Kodak United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2923 Bryan Road, Kodak, TN, 37764. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)