He was born on August 27, 1930, in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Jay proudly served his country in the United States Navy and attended the University of Alabama. On September 4, 1955, he married the love of his life, Martha Frances Egan.
Jay worked for Southern Company Services and after retiring, he and Martha traveled to many wonderful places. Jay loved watching Alabama football games and when forced by his daughter, Sandra, Alabama basketball games. He was a member of Riverchase Presbyterian Church.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 61 years, Martha Egan Dorrance; his daughter, Carol Lee Dorrance Williamson; and his sister, Marjorie Stenstrom.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Sandra Dorrance Green (Randy Coker), Linda Dorrance Cave, and Drew Dorrance (Roger Brown), Son-in-law Bryan Williamson; eight grandchildren, Hayden (Bruce), Natalie (John), Raleigh (Jenny), Lauren (Beau), Kelly, Bailey, Waverly, and Oliver; and seven great-grandchildren, Hollis, Ezra, Oliver, Peyton, Presley, Elias, and Amelia. His sister, Joy Laughlin; a host of nieces and nephews; and countless friends from all over also survive him. He never met a stranger.
A visitation will be held at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Southern Heritage Cemetery.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their dad’s friends and family for all of the prayers. He loved each and every one of you.
