Willie "Jay" Gore, a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the age of eighty-one. He started life on January 5th, 1935 in a farmhouse outside of Comanche, Oklahoma, the son of Willie (Bill) and Alene Gore. On Valentine's Day of 1958 he met the love of his life, Shirley, whom he married on July 3, 1958 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

He attended Oklahoma State University (B.A./M.A.) and became a teacher, coach and principal in various Oklahoma schools for eight years before moving to Sterling and taking a position in the Biology Department at Northeastern Jr. College in 1966. Willie taught Biological sciences at NJC until his retirement in 1997. While at NJC he was a sponsor for the Rodeo Club, Math & Science Club and the Associated Student Government. He also enjoyed going to and supporting NJC's athletic programs to include Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and Volleyball.

Willie and Shirley enjoyed living in Sterling and being part of the community while raising their two sons, Jeff and Barry. He was a twenty-eight year veteran of the United States Army serving in the National Guard and Army Reserve retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served as the Battery Commander for Sterling's National Guard unit for the Colorado National Guard. Willie, a 32nd Degree Mason, was also a member and a Past Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge in Sterling. Willie was also active in the Sterling community where he served on the City of Sterling's Park, Recreation and Library Board, member of the Lions Club, Sterling Jaycees, planning board and assisted with the Cooperative Ministry. For those that knew Willie they knew he was a strong Democrat and past chairman of the Logan County Democrats. His proudest democratic moment was working with Dorothy Davis on Roy Romer's successful Gubernatorial Re-election race.

Willie is survived by his wife Shirley, sons Jeff (wife Diane) of Cheyenne, WY and Barry (wife Terry) of Paso Robles, CA, grandchildren Joshua, Victoria, Jacob, Courtney and Jenna, sister Frances Meece of Sallisaw, OK, sister-in-law Alta (husband Bob) Dewey of Canyon, TX, several nieces and nephews, and the many students he had the pleasure of teaching and advising during his teaching career.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Chaney-Reager Funeral Home on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers friends may contribute to the Cancer Society through Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. We invite family, friends, colleagues and former students to help celebrate his life and share their fondest memories of Willie "Jay" Gore.