Jay Vowell

Jay Vowell, lovingly known as " Jay Bird," passed away on November 25, 2024 at the age of 63. Born on December 17, 1960, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jay was a remarkable individual whose spirit and warmth touched the lives of many.

Jay dedicated a significant part of his career to the dental field, excelling in the dental lab making dentures. His expertise and commitment made a lasting impact on those he worked with, reflecting his broader passion for caring for others.

A devoted husband, father, and friend, Jay was known for his free spirit and generous heart. He never met a stranger, always greeting everyone with kindness and an infectious smile. His personality was vibrant and full of life; he was always the life of the party and was known to give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it.

In his early years, Jay cherished time spent with his father hunting, fishing, and playing football. He also developed a love for cooking while in the kitchen with his mother, ultimately becoming an incredible "Grill Master." Jay shared a love for the Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks with his wife, filling their fall weekends with spirited camaraderie. Summers were marked by family camping trips to the lake, where unforgettable memories were created. In recent years, he found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, introducing them to the magic of classic rock-n-roll.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Stephanie Vowell; children, Megan Vanhoy and her husband Brandon, Cady Chumley and her ex-husband Christopher, and Graham Vowell; grandchildren, Emmerson and Riley Vanhoy, and Maddox and Monroe Chumley; sister, Debra Vowell Trahan; nieces and nephews, Lauren, Kristin, Erica, Grant, and Taylor; sisters-in-law, Melanie Gray and Stephanie Smith; along with a host of family and friends who loved Jay Bird and will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John G and Dorothy Vowell; his sister, Susan Vowell; his grandparents, Vertrees and Elizabeth Vowell and Jess and Cady Proctor; brothers-in-law, Robert Smith and Forest Gray; nephew, Brandon Smith; and in-laws, Norman and Nancy Smith.

A visitation will be held on November 29, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas. The address of the funeral home is 322 N Market Street, Benton, AR 72015. Guests are invited to attend a luncheon following the service at Wood Grill Buffet in Benton.

Jay’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the love he so freely gave. His spirit, laughter, and kind heart will forever remain in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Service entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.