Willis "Jay" Willoughby

Jay Willoughby, 76, joined his Lord and Savior in heaven on Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Mr. Willoughby was born on December 25, 1943 in Augusta, Georgia, and was raised by his grandparents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hobbs, as well as an aunt, Christine Taylor. A quiet and honest man who would do anything for anyone, Mr. Willoughby possessed an incredible love for children and for sports. He dedicated his life to helping youth, whether in athletic activities or at church. A member of the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), he was a respected umpire in Georgia and throughout the country for more than 30 years. He was known for his promotion of team sportsmanship as well as his personal knowledge of the game. His team of umpires was often specifically requested at sporting events, and Mr. Willoughby was one of four chosen from Georgia to umpire the first girls’ fast-pitch softball world tournament in Virginia. He was also one of several organizers that put together the Macon Flag City Shoot-out Softball Tournament. He was a wonderful cook, and he exhibited those cooking skills as a member and chairman of the bereavement team at Sandy Valley Baptist Church where he considered it a high honor to be an active member. He also enjoyed passing his cooking skills down to his great-grandchildren.

While umpiring and cooking were important aspects of Mr. Willoughby’s life, his universe revolved around his devoted wife. God truly blessed them with one another more than 22 years ago. Throughout his life, his limitations never changed his loving heart. All who knew him and loved him will sadly miss him. Once Jay Willoughby was your friend, you had a friend for life. He was preceded in death by his birth mother, Cleo Kennedy; and his grandson, Stanley Byrd.

His memory will forever be treasured by his adoring wife, Sandra Faye Willoughby; his sons, Keith Fortson (Staci) of Greenwood, Arkansas and Allen Fortson (Tammy) of Centerville; his brother, John Scott of Florida; 8 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; many cousins, aunts, and uncles; and a host of other adoring friends and family members.

Current COVID-19 restrictions in place also affect funeral customs and traditions. Therefore, a memorial service for family and friends to honor the life of Mr. Willoughby will be announced at a later date.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.