Obituary of Jay Stejskal

Jay Stejskal, age 72, of Rogersville, AL, passed away on August 14, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 8, 1951, in Cleveland, OH. He is a graduate of Padua Franciscan High School Class of 1969. He moved to Florence after graduation to attend Florence State University where he was a member of the Boys Basketball Team. He graduated in 1973 with his Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his education collecting his Master’s, EdS., and Administrative degrees at the University of North Alabama. As an educator, Jay touched the lives of countless individuals, not only as a teacher but also as a coach and an administrator. His dedication to fostering learning, growth, and character development in his students was unparalleled. He spent 25 years as a teacher and coach at Wilson High School, where he was deeply respected and admired by his students and colleagues. Jay's passion for education led him to serve as an Assistant Principal for 4 years at Lexington High School, and later as Principal for 9 years at Lauderdale County High School. After retirement from his administrative role, Jay jumped back into coaching as an assistant girls basketball coach with his daughter, Erica at Wilson. He remained a volunteer coach for 10 years. In 2022, Jay was inducted into the Lauderdale County Sports Hall of Fame. Jay was a pillar of his community, embodying kindness and generosity. His impact extended far beyond the classroom and the school grounds. Friends, colleagues, students, and neighbors were all touched by his warmth, wisdom, and genuine concern for others. His ability to connect with people on a personal level and make them feel valued was a testament to his extraordinary character. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jay was a loving husband who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with his wife, Brenda. Their enduring love and partnership were a shining example of commitment, compassion, and mutual respect. Believe it or not the two met on a blind date his senior year in college and have been inseparable since. Jay was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since moving to Florence at the age of 18. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” and Lucille Milota Stejskal; father-in-law, George Swinea Jr., sister-in-law, Kathy Swinea Quillen. He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda; daughter, Erica (Brant) Llewellyn; grandchildren, McKinzy, Brodie, and Maddox; mother-in-law, Margaret Swinea; brother-in-law, Jackie Quillen; brother-in-law Bobby (Virginia) Swinea; Additional daughters and grandsons through love, Amanda and Sylvie Franks, Brayden “James”, Isaiah, Camren, and Eli Franks. A visitation will be Saturday, August 19th from 10 - 12 p.m. at Wilson High School in the Bullard Stejskal Gymnasium. Funeral service will follow in the gym with Arvy Dupuy officiating. The burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery, Greenhill, AL. Pallbearers will be Brant Llewellyn, Matt Bohon, Jody Dodd, Phil Abston, Brent May, Brad Chaney, Les Abston, Randal Rhodes, Jason Scott, and Kevin McDaniel. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Deegan, John Simonetti, Dale Mathis, Jackie Quillen, Bobby Swinea, Michael Smith, Eric Oakley, Blair Bolan, Randy Mabry, Tommy Young, Ted Talley, Steven Sewell, Chris Balentine, Carl Bullard, Scott Jones, Tim Brown, Harold Hall, Dewayne Keener, Brian Brewer, Jeremy Wallace, Lazar Petrov, Brodie Llewellyn, Maddox Llewellyn, Lukas Hennebaul, Billy McCarthy, Terry McCarthy, Joe Holley, Rick Almon, Clay McCary, and Jason Tillman. Jay Stejskal will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His dedication to education, his love for his family, and his unwavering kindness will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace. The family wishes to express its appreciation to Dr. Ricky Irons, Nurse Sally, and Preferred Hospice for their care, concern, and assistance. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.