Louie Jay Rector

Louie Jay Rector, 85 of Prineville, Oregon passed away peacefully in his home on September 9, 2023. Jay was born December 9, 1937, in Fossil, Oregon to parents Paul and Lillian Rector. He was the second of five children.

Jay graduated from Wheeler County High School in 1956. He went on to work in the mill in Kinzua, Oregon. He then continued as a well driller in Prineville until he was drafted in the United States Military. In his military service he was deployed to Korea. Shortly after his discharge from active duty he married the love of his life, Shirley Harbaum, on May 28, 1964. They had  three children. During this time he began his lifelong career at Ochoco Lumber Company in Prineville, Oregon.

Throughout his life he spent time traveling with his family and friends, taking trips all over the United States. Jay loved to spend time in the mountains and spent a lot of time walking or cutting firewood. He was very involved in his church and was a member of Juniper Canyon Baptist Church. He loved to learn and teach about scripture. He also had a green thumb and grew a prolific vegetable garden. Jay loved to share the fruits of his labor, especially zucchini! He was known as the “Vegetable Fairy” to friends and loved ones.

Jay was preceded in death by parents Paul and Lillian Rector and older brother Floyd Rector. He is survived by wife Shirley Rector, son: Steven Rector, daughters: Sherri and husband Dave Goff and Jamie Rector, grandchildren: Jessica and husband Brice Logan, Kendra and husband Arron Palmer, Jonathan Goff and Noah Cloud. Great Grandchildren include Ainsley Logan, Amellia Palmer, Gemma Logan, and Levi Palmer. His brothers are: James and wife Kay Rector, Ray and wife Linda Rector and Jack and wife Sue Rector.

Jay will be greatly missed. A memorial will be held at 10 am on September 16, 2023 at Juniper Canyon Baptist Church to celebrate his life. A potluck will follow.

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