Jay Dawson Rhoades, age 79, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away at Lifecare Center of Columbia, on May 24, 2026. He was born on January 29, 1947, in Galion, Ohio.

After graduating from high school, Jay was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he faithfully served his country, including a year in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began a long career with General Motors in Mansfield, Ohio. When he retired, Jay chose to make Tennessee his home to be closer to family. Jay became a cherished member of Christ Church Columbia, where he was known for his gentle and mischievous spirit and his warm smile.

Jay was an avid football fan and especially enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Cleveland Browns.

Jay is survived by his siters, Patty (Joseph) Righter and Barbara (Fred) Plank, his nieces, Leticia Plank-Roberts, Amanda Righter, and Amber (Jeff) Spence, and his nephews, Adam (Justina) Plank, and Joseph Righter, III.

He is also survived by his great nieces and great nephews, Kristina Roberts and Rae Roberts, daughters, of Leticia Plank-Roberts; Kelsie Plank and Aaron Plank, children of Adam (Justina) Plank; Madison McDowell, Aiden Righter, and Jasmine Righer, children of Amanda Righter; and Violet Spence, daughter of Amber (Jeff) Spence.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Evans Rhoades and Belle Ella (Moon) Rhoades, and by his siters, Darlene Rhoades.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ Church Columbia on Tuesday, May 26th providing visitation with family at 6:00 PM and service at 7:00 PM.

Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Galion, Ohio at a later, undetermined date.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Christ Church Columbia, 707 Lion Parkway, Columbia, TN 38401.