Jeff L. Day

Jeff L. Day went to be with his Savior on December 2, 2019, at the age of 56.

Jeff was born September 6, 1963 in the San Diego Naval Hospital, San Diego, California, to Lee Paul and Elan Stewart Day. The family moved to Texas as soon as his dad retired from the Navy.  Jeff always felt like a Texan at heart.

On June 5, Jeff married the love of his life, Deborah Sessions Day.  He fell in love with her on a band trip when he was 15. He knew then that she was the one he wanted to share his life with.

Jeff wanted his life to be encouraging to others. He wanted to show that no obstacle was too big to overcome, if one kept God in control, at the helm.  He had the most kind and compassionate heart and saw the world through true servant’s eyes.  He could see the needs of others and immediately try to find a way to help.  This special talent led him to his profession, at which he excelled and improved the lives of so many.

He formerly worked in the Orthotics and Wheelchair Department of Abilene State Assisted Living Center. He began by repairing broken wheelchairs.  He noticed the standard wheelchairs did not fit the needs of the badly twisted or contorted bodies of those that spend most of their time in chairs, which only added to their pain. He devised ways to support each individual and provide comfort.  Caregivers started reporting the recipients were more relaxed and no longer fighting with the chair.  Their attitudes improved remarkably.  Those that could communicate expressed their thankfulness and joy over his modifications. It touched some that another would think to make their lives better, and Jeff was delighted to have made a difference in their lives.

His next work experience was with the West Texas Rehab Center as Assistive Technology Director. Here Jeff saw another side of needs for those who were wheelchair bound. They installed lifts and other technologies to help these people become more mobile and independent. He worked diligently to develop new technologies to fill these types of needs.

Jeff felt the Lord call him to take a big step out in faith. Nothing was too daunting for him to attempt. He knew if God led him somewhere, He would provide a way. Jeff founded and served as CEO of Freedom Fighters. He could now use his talents and knowledge to help many more people. People with arthritis and other debilitating diseases. His new endeavor took him from one side of the country to the other.  He traveled numerous states delivering specially designed wheelchairs and assistive devices.  He was amazed and overjoyed by the responses of those so thankful for the way he improved and enriched their lives. 

The long trips, away from his precious Deborah, pulled on his heartstrings to be home more.  He began work for the Texas Workforce Commission, where he helped train people for jobs and careers to better their and their families’ lives. He helped them learn to write professional resumes. He enjoyed this way of helping others, too.

Jeff jumped at an opening that became available with the Office of Attorney General as a Child Support Enforcement Officer.  This brought new opportunities to help others.  He enjoyed this work tremendously, and even considered going to law school. Poor health, however, caused him to have to leave this profession.

Jeff always had a passion and talent for writing. Those that have read any of his art will testify to his truly remarkable ability to use the exact word to represent the spirit and life of his text.  He wrote a book, several e-books, and produced a CD of poetry he had written.  He shared countless other written treasures on social media and among friends and fellow writers. People were amazed at his written art and the ease with which he compiled these precious jewels.  He would quote Ernest Hemingway, “There’s nothing to writing, all you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed!”  He made it look easy, but that was because of his proficiency with words and indominable spirit, and having lived life with all its challenges, but never giving up.

There is no way to properly describe Jeff if you didn’t know him.  He stood six foot five inches, and was a formidable size. He was a gentle giant.  He would defend those who needed defending and help those in need. His kind and giving heart had no end.  Jeff’s deep love and relationship he had with his Lord and Savior guided his life.  The more he stepped out to help others, the more blessed he felt.  He continually cultivated his God-given talents and so freely gave of himself to others. Life had littered his path with obstacles, and he met each one with uncommon courage. His spirit and the way he touched so many hearts and souls will live on. 

He hoped his life had been all God requested of him. He hoped his example was sufficient.  He will never know the extent he has spread God’s love.  Those who knew Jeff were truly blessed with his presence in their lives.

If asked where his courage came from, he would deny he had any, but if he did, it came from his Savior Jesus Christ, and from the special blessing God gave to walk beside him…the one Jeff called his angel…the love of his life, Deborah.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; a sister, Sheila Whitley and husband Steve of Eula; brother-in-law Lynn Sessions and wife Debbie of Clyde; a niece and nephews and a great niece and two nephews. He is also survived by his “children”, their baby dogs who brought him much love and comfort.

A family-reunion style celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, December 7, 2019 at First United Methodist Church of Baird, 1600 US Hwy 283 in Baird. By special request, attendees are asked to wear bright pink or purple, Jeff’s two favorite colors.  Friends and family are welcome to bring a covered dish or dessert and to share wonderful stories and a meal, like a family reunion.

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