Jesse Mack Grider Jr.

Jesse “Jay” Mack Grider, Jr., 42, of Dayton, Texas, passed away unexpectedly, on Friday, May 5, 2023, in Dayton. He was born on October 10, 1980, in Galveston, Texas to Jesse Mack Grider, Sr. and Carla Frances Ledford.

Jay pursued many interests, some of which included riding go-karts, driving remote controlled cars, boating, fishing, repairing and restoring his vehicles, working with wood, being outdoors, and listening to music. 

He was extremely funny and could naturally light up a room with just his presence. Jay was a free spirit and would just go with no destination in sight. He could easily get in the car to go somewhere and not return for days.

Jay was a great son, father, and friend. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Jay was preceded in death by his uncles Leslie Ledford and James Ledford; his aunt Delinda Gafford Beth; and his grandfathers Jerry Keenan and Jack Gafford. 

He leaves behind to cherish his loving memory his mother Carla Prieto and husband Rod of Splendora; his father Jesse Grider, Sr. of Cleveland; his children Hope Grider of Coldspring, Dylan Grider of Splendora, Preston Grider of Tarkington, Emily Grider of Tarkington, Kyler Grider of Sarasota, Florida, and Jesse Grider, III of Sarasota; his siblings Jessica Gomez of Dallas, Mellanie Mullins of Tarkington, Justin Grider of Cleveland, Jacob Grider of Dayton, Josh Grider of Cleveland, his grandmothers LaVern Keenan of Dayton and Martha Gafford of Coldspring; his aunt Debbie Hopkins of Dayton; uncle Terry Keenan of Dayton; aunt Johnnie Lee Brame of Montgomery; aunt Renee Holmes of Riverside; uncle Jackson Gafford of Coldspring; aunt Trina Huskey of Trinity; along with his numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

It was Jay’s wish to be remembered by all as the kind, helpful, loving and funny man that he was.

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