Obituary of Jay F. Eberhard

Jay F. Eberhard, 62, ended his journey of life on April 1, 2011, surrendering to a short battle with lung cancer. His wife, sister, and brother-in-law were by his side when he peacefully went home to be with the Lord. Jay was born in Newark, N.J., on July 18, 1948, the son of the late Hazel (Guest) and the late John Eberhard. Jay was an active Boy Scout and received his Eagle Award in January of 1963. He was also a member of the Order of DeMolay, Caldwell, N.J., Chapter while attending high school at West Essex Regional High School in North Caldwell, N.J. He graduated in 1966, and then joined the Navy in February of 1967, where he served two tours in the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged in February 1973. Jay was a Sahib Shriner, and a Mason for 26 years at the Cary B. Fish Lodge No. 346, both in Sarasota, Fla. Jay received an associate's degree at Morris Community College, and completed a third year of school at Rutgers University before he became the loyal and a hard worker that he was. Jay was a man with many talents, allowing him to hold many different employment positions in his life. He co-owned with his brother, Wayne, a marina in Colorado. He owned a pool company in Florida, as well as a hair salon. His favorite job was being the owner and groundskeeper of Balsam Woods Campground in Abbott. He sold the campground in 2002, and took some time off to travel and care for his father. In May of 2005, Jay married Billie-Jo (Wyman) Reed and immediately became a father to her two girls, Amy and Meghan Reed. Jay tried very hard to provide a healthy financial future for his three girls buy purchasing the two Curves for Women franchises in Augusta. Unfortunately, that business did not work out as planned, so he began working for CN Brown, at the Big Apple convenience store in Augusta. He worked there as the store manager until the time of his death. Jay was predeceased by his parents; his father-in-law, Delmont Wyman; and his beloved German Shepard, Missy. He will continue to live on through his surviving family: wife, Billie-Jo; two special daughters Amy and Meghan; stepson Josh and his wife, Emmalee, and stepgranddaughter, Maria Reed. He sadly leaves behind his siblings Wayne Eberhard and his wife, Genie, of Nokomis, Fla., and Wilma Crawford and her husband, John, of Vero Beach, Fla. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Carol Harnish, and her husband, Chris; brother-in-law Craig Ardry and his wife, Nanette; and sister-in-law Kimberly Wyman and her significant other, Brian. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. To fulfill Jay's last wishes, his arrangements will be made through Direct Cremation of Maine. There will be a celebration of his of life from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, at the American Legion Post No. 40 in Winthrop. Jay's wish was to have his special girl be taken care of, so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made for Meghan Reed at Kennebec Valley Federal Credit Union.