Jay D Sperry

Jay David Sperry, age 61 passed away November 8, 2021, the youngest child of Rhuel and Audrey (Leaper) Sperry born 3 August 1960 at Malcom Grow Hospital, Andrew AFB., Camp Springs, MD., the youngest of 5 children, and raised in the Methodist faith. He was named after his Uncle James “Jay” D. Sperry who was killed in WWII. Preceded in death by his parents, niece Tiffany (Holloway) Smith, her husband Roy Smith, and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Holloway.  Grandparents: David G. and Celia E. (Roberts) Sperry, Jacob R. and Sarah (Forsyth) Leaper.

Survived by these siblings, Debra (Cliff) Kelley, Jeff Sperry, Kevin Sperry, Karen (Sperry) Holloway, and Mary (Stefanick) Sperry these nieces and nephews: Jason (Rosie) Sperry, Bryan Sperry, Joey Sperry, Jennifer (Randall) Corey, Justin Holloway, Travis Holloway, Brandon Kelley, Brittney (Ben) Adams, Benjamin “Ben” Sperry, and many great nieces and nephews. Not to forget all his PA cousins who he had many happy memories with.

Jay, affectionately nicknamed Jay Bird or Bird, and Bird dog was adventurous and a wanderer. His formative years were spent in Oxon Hill, MD., where he and his siblings had the idyllic life and the neighborhood of “Southlawn” to grow up in. It was a time where everyone knew everyone and watched out for all of us. Jay’s wandering spirit got him in trouble more than once when he would manage to slip off with Vinny Woodward after his “tethered clothesline” escape or followed the man and his pony giving 25 cent pony rides in the neighborhood. It was always a concerted effort in the neighborhood to locate Jay, sometimes calling the local PD. Shoveling walks, cutting grass with his brothers, four square, camping in the backyard, Saturday football games with siblings at OHHS where older sister, Debbie attended, family trips to Ocean City, vacations home to PA with family to visit relatives were all favorite past times growing up.

In 1971 the family transferred to Louisiana and then to Florida. In Florida, Jay attended Ruckle Jr and Niceville Sr. High. As an adult Jay became a surveyor for the Corp of Engineers in N.O., La. Eventually coming back to Florida where he worked for several private surveying companies. He settled in Freeport, FL. Where he essentially developed the street by building seven homes there. In his off time  he loved the Redskins, NASCAR, surfing, golfing  and would most certainly have his nephew, Joey Sperry, tagging along with him. Jay continued to be a free spirit all his adult life and making many friends. He always had an adventure to tell or hilarious story to share guaranteed to make you laugh. Please remember Jay this way and always smile when you think of him and his crazy antics. He will be so greatly missed and forever remembered in our hearts. “Fly high Jay bird, we love you”. You truly lived by “All those who wander are not lost”.

Funeral arrangements are still pending

Jay’s wishes were cremation and interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Patton, Cambria, PA. where many of the Sperry/Leaper Family members are buried.

Contact Jeff Sperry for further information 850-368-4665

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