Few of us managed to live the life that Byington lived. He was blessed with good looks, great height and natural athletic ability but it was his unrelenting determination, drive and ambition that was the true secret to his success.
Jay was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee where he was a star center for the basketball team. He was so good that he considered going pro but ultimately chose to follow his father into banking.
Starting as a bank teller, Jay moved up the ranks quickly and was president of West Orange Bank in Orlando and President/Partner of the Florida Center Bank. During this time he became involved in real estate and was the owner of Carlton Arms apartments in Winter Park among other investments in the area.
From there Jay bought the Waynesville Country Club in Waynesville North Carolina, the 5750 building and Cypress Creek Country Club in Orlando. In all these endeavors, Jay turned these investments into successful businesses.
“My dad was a fantastic business man and incredible with numbers”. Son John Byington III recalls. “When we would travel in the car as kids, we use to quiz him with math problems that he could solve in his head before we could with the calculator.”
“Son Richard remembers, “Dad was a constant and indefatigable presence at every game, in every sport I played, even a hockey game when I was thirty. I’ll always remember that.”
Due to Coronavirus a closed service will be held for family Friday, October 9th.
Jay is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sherli, sons and daughter in laws; John/Marina and Richard/Stephanie, grandchildren; Hunter, Evelyn and Tanner and brothers; Robert and Jimmy.
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