Age 79, Shenandoah, Va.
Carroll “Jay” Stillwell Jr., 79, of Shenandoah, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg.
Jay leaves a legacy of laughter that touched the lives of many.
He was born on April 22, 1944, in Page County and was the son of the late Carroll Stillwell Sr. and Dollie and Armond Stoneberger. He was raised by the caring family of Lester, Annie, Junior and Nellie Rhinehart.
Jay was destined to live a life of love, laughter and adventure. On July 9, 1965, he married his lifelong partner and soul mate, Betty Jo Mayes Stillwell, who survives. Together they embarked on a remarkable journey just short of 59 years of unconditional love and unwavering devotion. Their bond was a testament to the power of true love, resilience and partnership.
Jay was a lifelong member of the Stanley SDA Church. He worked at the Luray Textile and was president of the AFLCIO, until the plant closed, approximately 23 years. He then worked at Cerro Metals in Shenandoah, from where he retired.
Jay was an avid New York Yankees fan. Everyone who had the opportunity to meet Jay was immediately taken by his dedication and love for the Yankees and baseball. He also had a passion for gospel bluegrass, laughing and practical jokes. He sang and was a member of the Mountain Hollar Boys Gospel Bluegrass band for 11 years. He also took great pride in decorating their home for Christmas inside and out and keeping his “Chevrolet” vehicles spotless and clean.
In addition to his wife, Jay is survived by a son, Tony Stillwell of Luray; two granddaughters, Amelia Catoe (Daniel) of Luray, and Carol Greene of Luray; four great-grandchildren, Ariana and Mathias Catoe of Luray, and Andrea and Axel Bright of Luray; three brothers, Ronnie Stoneberger (Karen) of Luray, Danny Rhinehart (Tammy) of Stanley, and Randy Rhinehart (Teri) of Stanley; two sisters, Lois Bywaters (Roy) of Stanley, and Melody McConnell (Fay) of Stanley; a brother-in-law, Terry Mayes (Anne) of Stanley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by two brothers, Ricky Stoneberger and Carroll David Stillwell.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at the Stanley SDA Church by Evangelist Doug Gochenour. Burial will be in the Stanley Advent Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Stanley SDA Church, Stanley, VA 22851.
Although it’s hard to say goodbye, we will keep Jay in our hearts until we meet again.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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