Jay Hiram Armentrout

Jay Hiram Armentrout, Jr. “Little Jay” passed peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of October 3rd, 2026, at his home, at the age of 83. Jay was born in Johnson City, TN and grew up on a dairy and hay farm in Sulphur Springs. He attended Sulphur Springs School, 1st – 12th grades where he was active in band, FFA, 4-H, basketball and was president of the student council in his senior year. He was awarded the American Farmer in FFA.

Jay graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1966 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He was on the dairy judging team. Jay married Patricia “Pat” Good on August 15, 1964. They recently celebrated 62 wonderful years together. Shortly after college, he joined the Dairymen, Inc. Co-Op where he worked 16 years. During those years, his job moved Jay and his family to various cities, and they enjoyed all the moves: Henderson, NC; Clinton, SC; Greensboro, NC; and Nashville, TN.

In 1979, Jay and his family moved back to Sulphur Springs, and he worked on the family dairy farm. Later he worked for the Washington County Highway Department for 16 years. Then he became a full-time farmer raising tobacco, hay and was the owner of Blue Ridge Rabbitry, selling to Grandfather Mountain, Bays Mountain and other habitats. All his family helped and greatly enjoyed the park connections.

For hobbies, Jay and Pat raised Siberian Huskies and followed the activities of their grandchildren.

He was a dedicated member of Pleasant View Church of Christ, Limestone, TN, for over 40 years. Most recently, he became a member of Central Church of Christ in Johnson City, TN.

Jay was a loving and supporting father, who was always there for his children and grandchildren’s school activities. He was a helpful neighbor, there to help in time of need, and most importantly he was a hard worker and loved to farm. His family and friends loved to hear his stories. Although a jokester at times, he was very serious about his crops and wanted to do his best. He appreciated all his fellow workers who helped him at all his jobs.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Jay, Sr. and Hazel Armentrout; sister Loretta Harper; grandparents, James and Lissie Blevins and Hiram and Bessie Armentrout.

He is survived by loving, supportive, caregiving wife, Patricia “Pat;” son, Bryan Armentrout (Sonya) of Buford, GA; daughter, April Roberts (Scott) of Jonesborough; grandchildren, Conner Roberts, Brylee Armentrout and Claire Roberts; many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, neighbors and special friends.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Fall Branch. Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Preacher Tom Lilly and Preacher Tim Hall officiating.

A private graveside service will be held at Bethesda Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 16340 Kingsport Hwy., Fall Branch, TN 37656.

Pallbearers will be Larry Estepp, Michael Haas, Bob DeAngelis, Tyler Riddle, Ronald Hite and Buddy Broyles. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Reichartd, Wendall Theriaut, Troy Taylor and Donald Haas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Church of Christ, 2722 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601.