Genel J. "Jay" Sturgeon, 63, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 6, 2024, with his precious children and their mother surrounding him with their love as Luke Bryan music played in the background. Jay, as he was known to everyone, was born at Fort Ord, U.S. Army Post, Seaside, Monterey County, California, on May 13, 1960. He was the son of the late Marilyn Jean Stewart and Command Sergeant Major Bobby Lee Sturgeon. He graduated from Claremore High School in Claremore, Oklahoma, where he was an incredible athlete in football and track. Being called a "Football Powerhouse", he was named as an Elite Football star, having been chosen by state coaches to be on both the All-Star and All-State teams. He also played in the Oil Bowl between the Oklahoma All-Stars and the Texas All-Star teams where he scored the winning touchdown. Jay's high school football coach, now retired college football coach, Larry Coker, called Jay "the greatest athlete I have ever coached." Jay continued to play football both at Oklahoma State University and at Central State University, now called the University of Central Oklahoma.

At the time of his illness, he was employed as vice-president of Barnes Fernald & Associates, BFA Environmental Consultants. He was a professional surveyor and mapper for nearly 40 years.

Jay was always a compassionate, friendly, and trustworthy gentleman; his whole heart and complete joy came from being with his children and his two grandchildren. He loved to celebrate every event to make everyone feel special. He was a wonderful friend to many; his home was always open for any reason, and he made everyone feel welcome and safe. Jay loved to cook and made the best Gumbo ever!

He is survived by his two daughters: Genel Sturgeon and fiancé Liam Edwards,  Jenna Sturgeon and her fiancé Calvin Alardo; his son Garrett Sturgeon; his adored grandchildren, Adelynn and Apollo Alardo; his former wife, Sabrina Cline and her husband Russ; his sister Lexie Jones; his half-brothers: Chris Sturgeon, Gregg Sturgeon, Matt Sturgeon, Andreas Vivolo, Mike Hall and his stepmother, Phillys Carter and her husband Jimmy. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Stephen Ray Sturgeon, and his half-brother, George Hughes, Jr.

Funeral services for Jay will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank all who have supported them, loved and prayed for them during this journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Genel J. Sturgeon's name may be made to the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation at www.gccf.us