Jay William Pense, 78, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, known to his family and friends as “Jay”, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026. Born on June 29, 1948, Jay was a native of Winfrey Valley, and lived a life defined by unwavering dedication, quiet strength, and a deep love for his family, faith, and country. He was the beloved son of the late Aaron and Velma Pense. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, his dear sister, Sue Philpot, and his brother, Tommy Pense, with whom he is now peacefully reunited. He is survived by his brother, Jim Pense of West Fork, AR. A proud veteran, Jay served in the Arkansas Air National Guard from December 7, 1966, to October 1, 1998, retiring as a Technical Sergeant with the 188th Fighter Group at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith after 33 years of honorable, dedicated service. He was also a proud member of the American Legion: Shelton-Tucker, Post 27. He also continued his commitment to public service with the City of Fayetteville, where he worked for 47 years before retiring. Throughout his distinguished career, the City of Fayetteville honored him with Certificates of Recognition for 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service. A highly skilled professional, Jay was a licensed plumber, HVAC technician, electrical inspector, building inspector, and residential commercial inspector. He also shared his expertise as the Chairman of the Arkansas Chapter of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) from November 1997 to November 1999 and held many Certificates of Achievement for Technical Code requirements. His strong work ethic, technical mastery, and integrity left a lasting impact on the community he served. Jay was a man of many passions who loved staying active. He had a natural gift for mechanics, finding great joy in working on anything with an engine or spending hours riding his tractors. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, tending to his garden, and taking vacations with those he loved. On game days, he could always be found passionately cheering on his beloved Razorback baseball team. Above all, Jay was a faithful servant of God who poured his heart into his church community. He was a deeply dedicated member of the Living Faith Church, where he honorably served as the Church Secretary for over 45 years and also served as an active board member for over 50 years. His faith guided his daily actions, and his devotion to his church family was a cornerstone of his life. Jay’s greatest joy and grandest legacy was his family. He was the deeply loved husband of Gena Pense, with whom he shared 57 beautiful years of marriage. He was a dedicated and supportive father to his three children: his daughter, Jalynn Vaught, and her husband Brian of Farmington, AR; his son, Jason Pense, and his wife Sarah of Farmington, AR; and his son, Jeramy Pense, and his wife Alex of Highlandville, MO. He was the proud and adoring grandfather of 9 grandchildren, who brought immense happiness to his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Tristan Vaught. He leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. John William's legacy of hard work, patriotism, faith, and unconditional love will live on forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community he served so faithfully. Services to celebrate Jay’s life will be held at Living Faith Church on Monday, October 26, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed directly by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, with cemetery services beginning immediately following at 12:30 PM. Active Pallbearers will be, Cayson Pense, Hudson Pense, Reece McWilliam, Scott McWilliam, Hank Meadors, Tucker Meadors. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Aden Pense, Madiysn Pense, Matlilyn Pense, Aulgur Pense, Xleigh Pense, Julia Pense, Radford Pense, and (In loving memory) Tristan Vaught. The Pense family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the many acts of kindness, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time. In place of flowers, donations may be made in Bro. Jay’s memory to the Living Faith Children's Building Fund. What’s your fondest memory of John "Jay"?