Jack Hunter "Jay" Clemmons

Jack Hunter “Jay” Clemmons III, our beloved son, brother, father, and friend, died on September 18 in Winston-Salem North Carolina. Jay is survived by his daughter, Ruby Melcena Clemmons; his mother, Cheryl Clemmons; his older sister, Kaysie Clemmons; his younger brother, James Clemmons; his aunt, Gary Clemmons; his grandmother, Mae Quate; his uncle, Ronnie Quate; Ronnie’s wife, Sherry and their daughter, Allyson. “Jaybird” was 38 years old.

Born in 1976 and raised in Greensboro, NC, Jay was an amazing talent. He showed affinity for the arts in all forms from the time he was a young boy, initially expressing himself musically through a voracious appetite for the guitar. His musical talent was prodigious; he spent many years forging lifelong friendships through his bands and the music scene he graced during his time here.

Those who are familiar with his guitar prowess will, no doubt, smile at the memory of his ability to tear through Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” as well as he could replicate Jeff Buckley and other greats. All of us who knew him during this time will remember the ironic smiles he would crack onstage as he pounded out three-chord hardcore and punk rock knowing he could break into anything more complicated anytime he wanted.

As he entered his college years, Jay’s artistry found expression in painting and he blessed us all with his masterful works. His paintings have graced the walls of local businesses and still hang today in the homes of his family and friends, and in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Weatherspoon Art Gallery permanent collection.

Jay received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Art History and Painting from UNCG in 2005. He was, most recently, working as a Department Manager of Bob King Kia in Winston-Salem under the mentorship of his beloved uncle, Ronnie.

We can’t help but reminisce about Jay as a boy, and are heavy with the loss of such a kind and tender soul. He was, from the time he was little: gentle, loving, imaginative, empathetic and affectionate with everyone and everything he loved. He was a doting and generous father whose constant heart was devoted to his Ruby.

He’s left an unfillable void with his early departure from us.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 22, 2014, at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.