John "Jay" Hunt McMurtry III, 69, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026 at University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. Jay was born on October 3, 1956 in Fayette County, KY to the late John Hunt McMurtry and Ruth Fitzgerald McMurtry. 

Jay worked for the United States Post Service as a Rural Mail Carrier for over 32 years and was a lifelong farmer. Family was very important in Jay's life, his children and five grandchildren were the light of his life. Jay loved living on Kemper Lane in Garrard County, where he lived for over 43 years.

Jay loved the Lord, his church and church family at Gilbert's Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Minister of Music, and Treasurer.

Surviving is his loving wife, Jackie Prewitt McMurtry of Lancaster; a son, Jason McMurtry (Clare) of Lancaster; a daughter, Jana Stiles (Greg) of Lancaster; a sister, Cynthia Parker(Ray); a brother, Carr McMurtry; five grandchildren, Lilly Stiles, Olivia Stiles, Alice McMurtry, Lainey McMurtry, and John Clay McMurtry.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 pm Monday, April 20, 2026 at Spurlin Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Spurlin Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Browning and Bro. Morris Trayner officiating. 

Burial will follow the funeral service at Lancaster Cemetery. 

Active pallbearers are Jason McMurtry, Greg Stiles, Chris Smith, Corey Smith, Tyler Prewitt, and PJ Parker.

Honorary pallbearers are Carr McMurtry, Harry Helton, Steve Smith, Bobby Ray Prewitt, Nathan Prewitt, Marc Prewitt, Lynn Gibson, Ray Parker, Randall Taylor and Phil Bishop.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jay’s memory can be made to the Garrard County Homeless Shelter.