Joseph Bentley (Jay) Abshier

March 24, 1952-April 30, 2022

Jay Abshier passed away from complications with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma April 30, 2022 at the age of 70.  He was born to Ernie and Mary Abshier in Beaumont, TX. He graduated from Forest Park High School, and Lamar University in Beaumont.

He worked for Texaco from 1981 to 2001, holding various positions in the IT department. He was a Software Designer, Assistant to Texaco CIO, Planning Manager, Y2K Project Manager, and Information Security Director.  In 2001, he left Texaco and was an IT consultant until 2007. He then worked for Chevron as a Project Manager from 2007 until his retirement in 2019.  He earned the CISSP certification as well as PMP certification.  Throughout his career, he was known as an excellent manager with the utmost integrity.

Jay had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed travel, photography, crafts, woodworking, writing, hiking, gardening, growing and canning figs, and cooking. He was a true "Family Handyman". He did extensive genealogy research.  He especially loved watching his daughter, Claire, ride her horses. He is also known for his love of cats and his dogs, especially Buddy and Peaches.

Jay had many friends that meant the world to him. He appreciated people from all walks of life with varied talents and skills. His kindness extended to everyone he met.

He could work with CEOs as well as children. He traveled the world, but was content on his back porch. He could lead, but never forced his opinions on anyone.  He could be serious and silly.  He was stern when necessary and tender when appropriate. He recently authored a book "Love From the Ashes of a Broken World."

He has been a lifelong church member and has been active in church wherever he has lived. He previously served on the board of Trinity Lutheran Church. He has been on the Board of Concordia Lutheran High School since 2011, serving as President 2017-2021.

Jay was the epitome of an honorable man.  He was a man of faith, integrity, devotion, generosity, and love.  Jay had a deep love for his wife of 26 years to whom he spoke his last words, "I love you too."

Jay is survived by his wife Renea and their daughter Claire, his sister Lynn Meadows, his brother Clif Abshier and wife Lil, his uncle James White and wife Sarah, his Aunt Nell Hammond, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Jay will be held at 11am on Saturday May 14, 2022 at Trinity Klein Lutheran Church, 5201 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77379. After the service, a reception is planned so friends, family, and former coworkers may share memories. He will be buried privately near his near his parents and grandparents at the Abshier family cemetery.

Gifts in his memory may be made to Concordia Lutheran High School, 700 E Main, Tomball, Texas 77375; or

https://www.clhs-tx.org/