Jay Trimble
Jay P. Trimble was born on July 19, 1937, to Glenora Morgan and Luther Trimble in Lafayette, Alabama. He made his transition to eternal life on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at home.
He moved to Chattanooga in 1943 where he began first grade at Chattanooga Avenue School. He graduated from Howard High School in 1955, the first graduating class at its present location. Upon completing high school, Jay entered the U.S. Air Force, also in 1955. He served faithfully and honorably all over the world which included three tours of duty in Vietnam to include the Tet Offensive of 1968. He also played baseball for the Air Force.
Jay was united in holy matrimony on January 14, 1958, to Rose Brantley, the love of his life, whom he met in Chattanooga. To their union, four children were born: Eric, Joyce, Vanessa and Teresa. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and extended family man. All family on both sides respected and loved Jay Trimble. Jay had an infectious laugh and he enjoyed spending time with family bowling, playing checkers, and dominoes. With any down time, he loved watching old westerns. He treasured going on vacations with his family and always ready to share the word of God with his children and grandchildren. He was devoted to his family, friends and church. He demonstrated genuine love and kindness by giving unselfishly to anyone in need.
Upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force, he accepted his call to the ministry. Rev. Trimble began his preaching ministry at the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he preached his first sermon. He was later called to serve as Assistant Pastor under Rev. Blackwell, at Greater St. Mary Primitive Baptist Church. Later he accepted the call to Pastor Hawkinsville Baptist Church; two Years later Prospect Missionary Baptist Church issued a call which he accepted where he remained as pastor for 38 years. Thus, he served Chattanooga churches for 44 years.
The broad educational experience of Rev. Dr. Jay P. Trimble included his military training, Associates in Business Management College of Ministers and Laity from McKenzie College, extended studies in Christian Education at Chattanooga State Community College, Bachelor of Ministry, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Covington Theological Seminary. Among his lifelong accomplishments, he served as the President and Dean of the Congress of Christian Education of the Chattanooga District Association, Vice President of the State of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Education congress, Dean and President of the Congress for the Tennessee Missionary Baptist. In addition, he served as a board member and instructor for the National Baptist Convention Congress on Christian Education, instructor for the National Baptist Convention Congress on Christian Education, and the American Baptist College Extension.
Rev. Dr. Jay P. Trimble was a leader in both his state and national roles. He will always be remembered as a celebrated gospel preacher, revival, and conference speaker. He was widely respected as a confidant, mentor and deeply loved by all who knew him best. Rev. Dr. Trimble was recognized in 2006 for lifetime ministry achievement and as a distinguished alumnus of Covington with a Doctor of Divinity degree. In 2008, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College. He served for many years as Staff Associate, Professor, and Extension Dean of Covington Theological Seminary, where, when he transitioned, was a Board member and Executive Vice President.
He was preceded in death by his devoted Mother and Stepfather William and Glenora Morgan Caldwell; Father and Stepmother, Luther and Mary Trimble; Father and Mother In-laws, Sidney and Luticia Wallace, sisters; Ruby Caldwell Jones, Elizabeth Caldwell Roberts, Lena Caldwell, Patricia Caldwell-Wright, Catherine Trimble Browder, Louise Trimble Patterson, Iralene Trimble Oliver, brothers; Luther Trimble Jr. and Rogers Trimble; grandson, Devorris Trimble.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Rose Pearl of 64 years, son; Eric Brantley Trimble, Daughters: Luticia Joyce Trimble-Smith, of Enterprise, AL, Vanessa J Stallings (Gerald) of Augusta GA, Teresa K Trimble-Smith (Christopher) of Stockbridge Ga.; 10 grandchildren: Eric K Trimble (MN), Charlet Trimble (TN), Alex Stallings (GA), Nikiah Trimble (U.S. Air Force), Taylar Stallings (FL), Sidne’ Rose Trimblesmith (GA), Jay Trimble Smith (Carmina) of (FL), Mario Trimble (WA), Rachel Trimble, (OR), Sara (Sidney) Porter of (GA), Toni (Reggie) Brown of (TN). 20 Great Grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; siblings, Brothers Emmanuel “Jack” Finley, Rev. William (Henrietta) Caldwell, James Edward (Jennette) Caldwell, John Will (Roxanne) Trimble. Sisters; Willie Eva Carter, Mattie Smith, Evonnie Tucker and Mary (David) Turner, Brother-in-law; Clinton Brantley, Sisters-in-Law; Kathy Brantley, Penny Brantley-Whitaker, and Faye Wright Brantley; devoted sisters-in-law, Ethel Brantley-Hensley, Patricia Brantley, Cydney Wallace Wright and Martha Brantley-Jackson; devoted caregivers: granddaughters; Charlet and Sidne’ Rose, Nephew; Napoleon “Tron” Akridge; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Special Acknowledgements: Rev. Edward Thrasher, Ivey Powell, The Class of “55” Howard High and Allied Health.
A private funeral service for family and church members will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the funeral home.
All are welcome to attend the Interment, but must wear a mask.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.