James "Jay" Jr.

James William Worthy Jr., 45, of Spartanburg, SC, died peacefully on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Spartanburg Regional Pavilion, after a brief illness. Born October 28, 1972, in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of James William Worthy and Mary Funderburk Worthy of Spartanburg, SC. James "Jay" Worthy was an avid and accomplished golfer. He recorded three hole-in-ones during his lifetime. He was a former proud member of the Spartanburg High School Golf Team. He was employed, while still in High School, at the Carolina Country Club where he also won three Club Championships as a member. He was lauded for his professionalism and loyalty. Jay graduated with honors from Spartanburg High School before attending the University of South Carolina, Columbia, where he graduated with honors with a degree in Business Administration. He was an excellent student, well respected by fellow classmates, teachers, coaches, administrators, and professors. He served on both the Student Council in High School and his college Fraternity Advisory Committee. Before graduating from the University of South Carolina he attended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon leadership convention in Evanston, Illinois. He parlayed his natural leadership skills, and love of golf, with employment while a student at the University Golf Club in Blythewood, SC. Jay was charged with developing public relations and actively recruiting members. He transitioned to a successful career in the golf industry in Spartanburg and served as the Pro-Shop Manager at Peach Valley Country Club. He was most recently employed at the Creek Golf Club where he loved his golfing buddies. Jay was a natural problem solver, known for his mathematical computation skills, and his easy ability to meet and maintain friends. Jay had a wonderful sense of humor and greeted everyone with a smile. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in his youth and also participated in Young Life. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Delta Chapter. Jay enjoyed volunteering his time to golf related events and First Tee of Spartanburg. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his kind sister, Claire Boyd (Allen); nieces, Allie, Carleton and Liza Boyd whom he adored; his special aunt, Betsy Funderburk; his uncle and aunt, J. Vic Funderburk (Judy) and Joyce Belk (Buddy); cousins, Amy Funderburk, Seth Funderburk (Michelle), Robin Jilg (Tod), and Dr. Alexandria Jilg. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Arthur and Virginia Worthy of Rock Hill, SC and Thomas and Elizabeth Funderburk of Cheraw, SC. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be conducted at 4:00 PM Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307, by The Reverend Steve Wise. Visitation will follow the service at the Chapel. Burial, at a later date, will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles Lea Center Foundation, 195 Burdette Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307; or Bethel United Methodist Church Special Needs Sunday School Class, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James William Worthy Jr. "Jay" please visit our Sympathy Store.