Gerald William Excell Jr.

Gerald William Excell, Jr. (Jay), of Wilmington NC, died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 19, 2021. Jay was born on January 19, 1948 in Jacksonville, FL to Gerald William Excell,
Sr. and Martha Mae Excell. He was the big brother to two surviving sisters – Debra Excell and Wendy McIver. Being the child of a Lieutenant Colonel, he spent much of his childhood in different states, but always considered Greene, NY his home.

Jay is a veteran of the Vietnam War (1969-1972), where he earned several medals , including a Bronze Star. He was a Green Beret, and member of the 82 nd Airborne Division. He served his country with a great sense of honor and pride, and carried that with him throughout his life.

Jay is a graduate of UNCW and Webster University, earning a Master's Degree. He was an amazing musician who could play music simply by ear, and collected guitars. He was employed for
many years by BellSouth. He spent the last years of his life as a retiree, which allowed him the time to do everything he loved such as spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, and taking naps at his leisure. He enjoyed meeting with best buddy OT Thompson and other friends for their “Wednesday morning therapy group” at McDonald's, where the senior coffee was always hot.

Jay is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jane Blythe Excell, as well as daughters Allison Lynn Homick (Paul) and Lyndsey Presley (Justin Burke). In addition to his wife and children, Jay is also survived by grandchildren Noah, Gabriel, Joel, Micah, and Isla. “Grampa” always had a story to tell, something to teach, and a joke to share. His laughter was infectious, and his jokes will live on for years. Jay is also survived by many other family members and friends.

He always had time to help someone, call someone, and never shied away from giving his opinion. He had a great love of God, family, and his country. He had a larger than life personality, and to know him was to know greatness.

As Jay would say, “Glad you got to see me”. Indeed, all who knew him were very glad, and he will deeply be missed.

Military graveside service to be held at Oleander Gardens on Tuesday, August 31 st at 10 AM.

Friends and family are invited to come to the home after the service to share laughs and memories of Jay. 7501 Mason Landing Road, Wilmington NC 28411.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099.