Embry Jay Loftis

Embry “Jay” Loftis was born on October 26, 1959, to the late Elredis and Amy S. (Jones) Loftis Sr. As the 13th and youngest child, Jay held a special place in the Loftis family. Growing up surrounded by a large and loving family, he developed strong family bonds and treasured the relationships he shared with his siblings throughout his life.

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, just one day before celebrating his 67th birthday, Jay departed this earthly life at the age of 66, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.

At an early age, Jay was introduced to the Christian faith at Macedonia Baptist Church, where he was baptized by the late Reverend K. D. Davis. His early years were filled with family, fellowship, and the values that helped shape the man he would become.

Jay attended Ardmore Public Schools and proudly graduated from Ardmore High School in 1978. Following graduation, he eventually made his way to Dallas, Texas, where he began a new chapter in his life. While living in Dallas, he was employed at Texas Instruments Restaurant, where he worked for several years alongside his nephew, Tony Murph.

Family was always an important part of Jay's life. During his years in Dallas, he shared many memorable moments with his brother, Thomas Loftis, and his nephews, Frankie, Tony, and Jackie. One of their favorite pastimes was bowling together at Love Field, where they enjoyed friendly competition, laughter, and the special bond of playing together as a team. Those moments created lasting memories that his family will forever cherish.

Jay was a proud father, a loving grandfather, and a man who found great happiness in bringing family and friends together. He was blessed with two sons, JaMontra and Juan Willis, whom he loved dearly. He especially enjoyed firing up his smoker, preparing delicious meals, and welcoming loved ones to share in good food, conversation, and laughter. To Jay, there was nothing quite like having family gathered around.

His grandchildren held an especially precious place in his heart. Their visits brought him tremendous joy, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. His love for his grandchildren was deep and unwavering, and he always wanted to make sure they were loved, remembered, and cared for.

Jay's life was not without its challenges. During a difficult chapter of his journey, he became incarcerated within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. However, rather than allowing his circumstances to define him, Jay devoted himself to learning and understanding the legal system. Through determination, intelligence, and countless hours of study, he became widely known among fellow inmates as a “jailhouse lawyer.”

Jay developed an extraordinary understanding of legal procedures and used that knowledge to advocate for others who needed assistance. He helped numerous individuals challenge their convictions, with several ultimately obtaining relief and regaining their freedom. His determination and legal knowledge also played an important role in securing his own release.

What made Jay's story especially meaningful was his willingness to use what he had learned to help others. His efforts were remembered and appreciated by many of those whose lives he touched. Some continued to express their gratitude through financial support, which Jay, in turn, used to help provide for his beloved grandchildren. Even during the most challenging times, his heart remained with his family.

Jay's life was a testament to perseverance, resourcefulness, and the power of using one's experiences to make a difference. He was a man who faced life's difficulties, learned from his journey, and found purpose in helping others. Above all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family, the joy he found in togetherness, and the special memories he leaves behind.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents; his loving parents, Elredis and Amy S. (Jones) Loftis Sr.; six brothers, Jerome Loftis, Elredis Loftis Jr., Charles Loftis, Richard Loftis, Larry Loftis Sr., and Thomas Loftis; and one sister, Wanda Anderson.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his two sons, JaMontra and Juan Willis; his ten beloved grandchildren, Savoi Maxwell, J'licia Smith, Amonty Smith, Alexis Behrens, Jajuan Clayton, Shauntiona Clayton, Izaiah Schlicker, Kamille McGee, Izaiah Richards, and Koi Brown; his precious great-grandchildren, Mella Maxwell, Xomina Maxwell, and Chriona Garcia; three sisters, Nileph Jo Roberson, Nancy Pipkins, and Lagora Marshall; two brothers, Kenneth Loftis and Carl Loftis Sr.; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Though Jay's earthly journey has come to an end, the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

His journey was uniquely his own, his love for family was undeniable, and his memory will forever be treasured.