Jay Michael Cleveland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Jay Michael Cleveland, age 62, of Birmingham Al. Surrounded by loving family and friends Jay entered his eternal rest on the morning of June 6, 2024. Jay was born on April 25, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri to loving parents, Bennie Ray and Ellen Beth Cleveland. His family eventually made Alexander City, Alabama their family’s home. A gifted musician, Jay enjoyed playing trumpet in both the school marching band and his local church orchestra. Later, His smooth tenor voice was a welcome addition to the college chorale.

 Following graduation from Benjamin Russell High School, Jay earned his associates degree and joined the United States Army for a two-year tour. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Angie Moore Cleveland. Professionally, Jay was highly accomplished. He received his Engineering degree from the University of Alabama and later a Professional Engineering License. For twenty years, Alabama’s paper industry was where he utilized his engineering skillset. Following this, he devoted 14 years of service to Southern Nuclear Inc. Jay also proudly served in the United States Army National Guard and Army Reserves for 28 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His many awards in the Army include completing three active-duty tours, receiving the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. He graduated from both Airborne and Air Assault school. Jay also received the Bronze Star while serving in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Freedom. It is awarded to individuals in the Armed Forces in recognition of heroic or meritorious service in a combat zone. His many achievements and accolades demonstrated his love of Country and dedication to honest work.

 These accomplishments were achieved with his ultimate priority in mind, his family. His deep love and commitment to Angie, his wife of 39 years, and his sons, Josh and Colton will always be valued by them. In August of 2021, Jay was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease as some know it. The disease progressively devastated his body over the next three years. Yet, throughout this ordeal Jay never lost his sense of humor nor complained about his plight. He was the most admirable and courageous of souls. His wife Angie remained lovingly by his side and cared for him day and night. 

The family is eternally grateful to his other extraordinary caregivers, Michael Miller, Paul Plunkett and Lizzie Baker for their exceptional care and much needed humor during his illness. Jay will be remembered for his kindness and generosity to those in need, his quick wit and intelligence. He was a man of integrity who possessed a fierce loyalty to those he loved. His hard work and sacrifice will always be appreciated by his wife and sons.

 He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Georgia Cleveland and Festus and Mildred Doyen, and brother, Joey (Sheila) Cleveland. Jay will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his wife, Angie Cleveland and their two sons, Joshua and Colton Cleveland. He is also survived by his sisters, Julie (Steve) Haynes, and Joyful Cleveland, and his parents, Ben and Beth Cleveland.

 A private Celebration of Life service will be held on a date decided upon by the family. The family would be honored to share your memories and stories of Jay, which can be added below, at his Celebration of Life Service. If you are so moved, donations to the ALS Association in Jay’s memory would honor his legacy. ALS Association Attn: Alabama 1950 Craig Rd, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63146.