Jay Ward has passed away.

Jay Ward, a member of the Longhorn Football family, passed away on July 22nd. Jay attended the University of Texas and served as Manager during the 1963 National Championship Team under legendary Coach Darrell K. Royal and renowned athletic trainer Frank Medina. In addition, Jay’s legacy includes a burnt orange family with his two daughters and his sons-in-law attending the University of Texas. This site is dynamic, and information will be added when available to publish.

Jay Crane Ward, of Llano Texas is at peace. He passed away on July 22, 2023 surrounded by family.

Jay was born in Victoria, TX to J.C. and Eva Ward. He was raised in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1963. He attended the University of Texas and served as manager for the Longhorn football team under legendary Coach Darrell K. Royal and renowned athletic trainer Frank Medina. Jay's love for the longhorns lasted a lifetime.

Jay was a successful pharmaceutical executive. He spent his career in Houston, working for A.H. Robbins Pharmaceutical Company which later became Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Jay was active in his community. While in Houston, he started and served as President to several neighborhood homeowners associations. He served as a Reserve Officer in Fort Bend County which led to his election as a City Councilman in Missouri City, Texas. Jay also loved the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and spent many years volunteering for the Corral Club.

Upon retiring, Jay returned to his favorite part of the world, the Texas hill country, and spent time on Lake Buchanan, before settling on his ranch just outside of Llano. Jay had a heart of gold and thoroughly enjoyed dedicating himself to his community. In Llano, he served on the Board of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Marble Falls. Jay also served on the Board for the Hill Country 100 Club, supporting first responders and received an honorary lifetime award for his faithful support of our public servants. While in Llano he was appointed to the Llano Tax Appraisal Review Board and volunteered faithfully at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on the Finance Committee and in other areas. He also supported numerous political campaigns in the area. Volunteering as a long-time member and President of the Kingsland Lions Club and serving on the Board of the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville were very rewarding for him.

Jay loved his beautiful and devoted wife Gennie. They were married in Fredericksburg on February 10, 1968. They celebrated their 55th anniversary earlier this year. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters Wendy and Misty, and have been active in the lives of their seven grandchildren. Jay built a tremendous legacy through his service and love for his friends and family.

Jay enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and watching wildlife outdoors. He passed his passion for the outdoors on to his daughters, his sons-in-law, and his grandchildren. More recently, he became a great-grandfather and was quite smitten by his new great-granddaughter.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Eva Ward. He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Ann Ward of Llano, his daughters Wendy Ward Detamore of Austin, married to William Thomas Detamore Jr.; Misty Dawn May of Round Rock, married to Darlon Christopher May; and his sister, Jone Ward Harrison, of Flower Mound, married to Joe Harrison. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Darlon Coleton May, married to Julia Marie May; John Clemens Detamore, married to Kathleen Dalton Detamore; Scott William Detamore; Trenton Ward May; Jacey GennaBeth May; Abigayle Anne Detamore; and Gus Douglas May; as well as one great-granddaughter Coraline Rosie May.

Visitation will be at the Harrell Funeral Home in Llano on Wednesday, July 26th, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The funeral service in Jay's honor will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Thursday, July 27th, at 10:00 am. Attendees are encouraged to wear burnt orange or longhorn attire to the visitation and funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or a charity of choice.