William Jay Merry, 83, of Bradford, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born January 12, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Stanley H. and Elsie (Pyle) Merry. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.

On November 21 1997, in Limestone, he married Marie V. (McManigle) Himes Merry, who preceded him in death on September 23, 2020.

Jay had been employed by the City of Bradford as a crane operator, then for the Bradford Area School District as a bus driver, Bradford Forest Products, and prior to his retirement a bus driver for the ATA.

He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

Jay enjoyed fishing, hunting, telling stories, bowling, and once rolled a 300 game. Also a member of the Keystone Guzzlers Softball league.
 
Surviving are three daughters, Lois (Mike) Kervin, of Bradford, Cindy (the late Tim) McGuire, of Bradford, and Lorrie (David) Shorts, of Live Oak, FL, one son, Donald (Kathy) Himes, of Bradford, 12 grandchildren, Michelle McFarland, Cheryl Allen, Jason Himes, Lisa (Marc) Stiles, Jennifer (Billy Shinners) Jordan, Robert (Angela) Shipman, Stacey (Carl) Nelson, Brent McGuire, Aaron McGuire, Alanna (Jeffery) Siverling, Ashley Anderson, Brandon (Harley) Anderson, Desiree (Doug) Peterson, David Shorts, 27 great grandchildren, Mikayla McFarland, Logan McFarland, Ryan Vantassel, Katie Vantassel, Gavyn Larson, Michaella Deming, Marissa Deming, Miranda Deming, Kylie Stiles, Carrygan Jordan, Kelsey Jordan, Delaney Jordan, McKenna Shipman, Parker Shipman, Bella Shipman, Tasha Mangel, Victoria Nelson, Gabby Nelson, Chance McGuire, Katelynn McGuire, Lily McGuire, Logan Siverling, Kinleigh Siverling, Keion Hull, Kayla Hull, Janae Gray, Noah Gray, and five great-great grandchildren, two sisters, Diane (Michael) Mitchell, and Nancy (the late Bob) Ezzolo, all of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter Shirley Hume, and one sister, Brenda Sue Tertinek.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm with the Pastor Zoe Hatcher, of the Open Arms Church officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to LEEK 494 PA 244, Oswayo PA 16915 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com