Obituary

Jay Beverly George Opie

Born March 21, 1921

Died July 20, 2026

Jay Beverly George Opie, a longtime resident of Ossining before moving to Franklin TN in 2022, died at the age of 105 on July 20, 2026. He was born in Detroit, MI on March 21, 1921, to Llewellyn Opie and Dorothy Smiley Opie. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Reggie and beloved wife, Ernestine to whom he was married for more than 50 years. Mr. Opie is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and an extended family.

Mr. Opie served in WWII in the 10th Air Force, Second Troop Carrier Squadron in the China-Burma-India campaign, "The Forgotten Theatre." He received two Silver Stars, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. In 2025 he was honored by General Randall Reed, USAF Commander United States Transportation Command, for his lifetime of service to our country. He wrote "Because of your duty and selfless service over the Himalayas during WWII, the next generation delivers freedom to the world, anytime, anywhere."

Mr. Opie was a member of the Fairchester Basha, a veteran's organization belonging to the China Burma India Association, serving as Chaplain. He was drafted into service before completing high school. In June of 2001, at the age of 80, he earned and was awarded a GED diploma.

Mr. Opie was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Ossining, NY. He held the position of head usher for many years and served on the Board of Directors.

Mr. Opie retired from General Motors in Sleepy Hollow, NY in 1979, where he worked over thirty years in the trim department. Following retirement, Mr. Opie worked as a golf caddy for some of Westchester's most prestigious clubs.

A lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and baseball enthusiast, Mr. Opie was twice honored for his decades of loyalty by the President of the Tigers organization. He also loved music and learned to play the organ. In later years he played the harmonica. Over their many years of marriage, he and his wife traveled to every state and to Africa and Ireland. A proud citizen, Mr. Opie always flew an American flag in his yard.

When he moved to TN in 2022, he was embraced by new friends. He attended monthly veteran meetings and musical events including the Dulcimer Dandies.

He regarded the Veterans table in the dining hall as a place of honor. He came to regard the residents and staff of Vitality Franklin as family. He was very much loved, and his passing was felt deeply by all.

In 2023, at a public celebration of Memorial Day, Mr. Opie was honored by the Mayor of Franklin, TN and the Mayor of Williamson County, TN with the presentation of the American flag. Mr. Opie was further honored to serve as Grand Marshall in the Franklin, TN 2025 Veterans Day parade.

Jay Beverly Opie is fondly remembered by family and friends as a kind and gentle man with a perpetual smile. He was grateful to the Lord for the many blessings of his life.

Visitation and Burial Arrangements

Visitation:

Wednesday, July 29

3PM - 7 PM

Leach & Thomas/Waterbury Kelly Funeral Home

45 S. Highland Avenue

Ossining, NY

Burial of Ashes:

Saturday, August 1

11:00 AM

Cold Spring Cemetery

Peekskill Rd and Bank Street

Nelsonville, NY

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to

First Baptist Church of Ossining

PO Box 225

1 Church Street

Ossining, NY 10562