Jay Vance Govan Sr.

Honoring A Life Well Lived

Jay Vance Govan, Sr. was born April 24, 1937 in Lincoln, TX to the late Mr. Leonard Norman Govan and Mrs. Mattie Elnora Simpson Govan. He was 87 years of age as he began his everlasting life with the Lord on February 17, 2025. One of thirteen children raised in a close-knit family, he was best known to his family and friends as ‘Big Daddy.’ He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and most of all, a man of God.

Jay Sr. was a devout Christian who accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and remained faithful throughout his life. He was a member of Rising Star Baptist Church for many years and later moved his membership to True Vision Baptist Church, Reverend Michael Brown, Pastor.

Jay Sr. was educated in Lee County Texas. The day after he graduated, he enlisted in the United States Army. After serving three years, he moved to San Antonio where he met the love of his life, Alvena Ussery, who preceded him in death. They were united in holy matrimony on December 7, 1963 by Alvena’s grandfather. They were blessed with two children, Jay Jr. and Dwight.

From a young age, Jay Sr. understood the definition of hard work and providing the best life for his family. He attained his CDL and landed a job as a truck driver with the Texaco Oil Company. He enrolled in a class on how to own and operate a gas station. In 1977, he opened his own Texaco Gas Station located at 3107 Martin Luther King Dr. on the city’s East Side. He was a highly successful entrepreneurial businessman where he took pride in hiring and mentoring several young black men during the 25 years he owned the station. The station served as a ‘hang out’ and provided a fun-filled family environment for the community. After selling the station, he accepted a position with the Judson Independent School District in the Transportation Department, where he retired after 20-plus years.

Jay Sr. lived his life to the fullest and lived a very good life. He loved talking to people (never met a stranger), helping people, and he had a knack for telling entertaining stories, playing practical jokes and pranks on relatives and friends. He always wanted to make sure everyone walked away with a smile on their face and in their heart. An avid sports fan, he loved to watch televised sports. He loved the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He loved soul food and ‘Big Red’ was his beverage of choice! His favorite quote was ‘Time brings about a change.’ He always enjoyed seeing his family together, making memories.

Jay Sr. leaves in God’s hands to share his legacy; his two sons, Jay, Jr. (Terri), of San Antonio, TX and Dwight Govan of Frisco, TX; four grandsons, Jay Govan III (Jessica), Jordan Scott, Brandon Govan and Corey Govan; three great grandchildren, Mya, Cora and Grant Govan, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown in righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing.

II Timothy 4:7-8