Eddie "Jay" Ennis

Eddie “Jay” Ennis, 74, of Yukon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Born on June 14, 1952, in Thomas, Oklahoma, Jay was the son of Don Ennis and Ethelene (Griffin) Ennis. A twin, he grew up in western Oklahoma and graduated from Clinton High School in 1970. During his high school years, he excelled in football and earned selection to the Oklahoma All-State Football Team. He went on a full scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University, where he continued his football career and was recognized for his athletic ability, determination, and dedication. After college he played semi-pro baseball, rugby and competitive softball for over 20 years.

After college, Jay spent more than 30 years working in the auto glass industry, where he was known not only for his hard work and dedication, but for the genuine friendships he built along the way. To Jay, coworkers became lifelong friends, and every day was another opportunity to encourage others, share a laugh, and make someone’s day a little brighter.

One of Jay’s greatest joys was the family he and Kay built together. What began as a blended family quickly became simply a family, bound together by love rather than blood. Jay loved each of them wholeheartedly, and they loved him right back.

While Jay’s accomplishments on the football field and throughout his career were admirable, they were never what defined him. His greatest gift was the way he loved people.

Jay’s most treasured qualities was his ability to make everyone he encountered feel deeply loved. He was never afraid to show emotion, tenderness, or affection, and he loved people with his whole heart. If you met Jay even once, you were instantly one of his people. He had a remarkable way of making you feel like you belonged, and those fortunate enough to know him will carry that love with them forever.

Jay also lived with extraordinary generosity. He quietly met the needs of others without ever seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. Whether someone needed encouragement, a helping hand, or simply someone to believe in them, Jay was always there. His life reflected the words of Matthew 6:3–4: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” He never gave to be noticed; he gave because loving and serving others was simply who he was.

Jay’s joyful spirit was contagious. His quick wit and playful sense of humor brought smiles to everyone around him. Time spent with Jay was filled with stories, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Above all, Jay loved Jesus. His faith was the foundation of his life and shaped the way he loved others—with grace, compassion, generosity, and joy. As his health declined, he looked toward Heaven not with fear, but with peace and unwavering confidence, knowing he would soon be in the presence of his Savior and reunited with loved ones who had gone before him.

Jay was preceded in death by his first wife, Pamela Ennis, with whom he shared 15 years of marriage; his parents, Don Ennis and Ethelene (Griffin) Ennis; and his twin brother, Ray Ennis.

He is survived by his loving partner, Kay Draelos; his daughter, Sydnie Summerford and husband, Mitch; his stepchildren, Mitchell Draelos, Preston Draelos and wife, Hannah, and Julia Draelos; his nephews, Sean Ennis and wife, Carly, and Matt Ennis and wife, Traci; his cherished granddaughters, Presli and Mila Summerford; his great-niece, Emma Ennis; his great-nephews, Ezra Ennis, Steeler Ennis, and Ames Ennis; and his pride and joy, his precious dog, Sugar.

A service celebrating Jay’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon, Oklahoma, with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery, Yukon, Oklahoma.

Jay’s legacy cannot be measured by athletic accomplishments, years of service, or any of life’s achievements, but by the countless lives he touched through his love, kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. He made people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. He loved without reservation, gave without recognition, and welcomed everyone as family. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the love he so freely gave will continue to live on through the many lives he forever changed.