Jaynard “Jay” Clinkscales departed this life on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the remarkable age of 96. Born in Abbeville, South Carolina, Jay later made Dayton, Ohio his lifelong home where he built a legacy of service and hard work. Jay was a proud veteran of the United States Army where he served for many years, including a distinguished tenure in Germany until his retirement. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline, resilience and commitment that carried through every aspect of his life.

In 1952, he joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he found a spiritual home and a lifelong calling to serve. As a dedicated member of the Usher Board for 59 years, he embodied the spirit of hospitality and faithfulness. On March 22, 1969, Jay married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Clinkscales. Their union spanned 56 beautiful years, filled with love, devotion and unwavering support for one another. Together, they built a home rooted in Christian faith, and generosity.

After his military service, Jay found a second career at General Motors (GM), working as an Electrical Engineer Repairman for 35 years. Even after retirement, he was always eager to swap stories with fellow GM employees, reminiscing about the factory’s operations and how things had changed over the years. His hands were truly gifted. Whether it was repairing televisions, keeping up with the latest technology, or tending to his vegetable garden, he found great fulfillment in working with his hands. His garden was not just a hobby, it was a way of giving back as he lovingly shared his homegrown vegetables with family, neighbors and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, seven older siblings and his beloved daughter, Nicole Clinkscales. He leaves behind to honor his memory his loving wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn Clinkscales, father to his devoted grandson Jayson Clinkscales; daughter Rev. Carolyn (Rev. Clinton) Brantley of Charleston, SC; son Eric (Jennifer) Clinkscales, Lake Mary, FL; Bonus son, Edward Andre Hardaway, Opelika, AL; many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Lauren Gipson, Jeremiah perry, Serenity Gipson, Kylie G., Carlton, Mariah and Simone Clinkscales, Jeremiah P., Rev. Dr. Andre Keli (Michelle) Hardaway, Yulee, FL; Aime C., Tiffany G., Tiffany G., Avant and Vindya H., Angel B., Majesty and Mahogany F., Talyiah A.; In-laws: Rickey (Sherry), Walter (Freda) Phillips, Atlanta, GA; devoted nieces: Culpatrice Foster, Dianna Forman, Debra Yancey, Val Bursey, Wanda and Trina Phillips, Monica and Stephanie George. Devoted nephews: Rodney, Steve (Sonya), Rev. Alex (Christina) George.