Jay Russell Weatherly

Jay Russell Weatherly, age 59, died unexpectedly on September 20th, 2021. He was born October 14, 1961 in Oregon, the son of Norman and Eileen Weatherly. Jay grew up in Chapel Hill and graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1979.  A year later he joined the United States Navy, where he served in combat during the Beirut Conflict as well as a year-long West Pacific tour.

Jay was a born salesperson and held a variety of sales jobs throughout his life. His real passion, though, was the music business and his favorite job was with the Blue Bayou Club in Hillsborough, booking acts and being a jack of all trades there. Jay lived in Texas for several years, working as a security guard at an art museum among other jobs, before returning to Chapel Hill.

            Jay is survived by his son, Joshua Jay Weatherly, and Joshua’s mother, Karen Boyd Weatherly. He is also survived by his siblings Norma Weatherly Schwab (Stewart), Scott, Jill, Dawn, and Vance, many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and other extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents Norman and Eileen Weatherly.

            Jay was enthusiastic about life, especially when it included UNC basketball and football. His yarns were legendary. When a nephew was told the sad news of Jay's death, he said: "that Uncle Jay could really tell a story." Jay particularly liked recounting places he visited in the Navy and performances and backstage happenings with the blues groups he worked with. His adventures (and stories) included hiking in and out of the Grand Canyon in a single day, and driving and double parking the company truck during buying trips to New York City. His family will sorely miss Jay and his stories.

           In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jay’s memory may be made to Oxford House of Carrboro or the charity of your choice.