Obituary of Jay Gary Naff

Jay Gary Naff, born June 14, 1949 in Roanoke, Va. passed away on Friday, October 28, 2016. Gary was the only son of the late Jay Berlin and Hazel Mills Naff. He was a life long member of Williamson Road Church of the Brethren. He leaves to cherish his memory wife of 30 years, Joani Hoer; sons, Logan Jay Naff of Roanoke, Va., Jonathan Kyle Naff (Kimberly West) of St. Petersburg, Fla, and Timothy Shane Shephard, Jr. (Ginger) of Vinton, Va; sisters, Dotty Naff Hopkins of Roanoke, Va., and Dana Naff Wimmer of Daleville, Va., twin granddaughters, Kinlee Faith and Bailee Grace Naff of Rome, Ga., and Adelynn Kathryn Naff of St. Petersburg, Fla. Gary was a family man who worked at Norfolk Southern as a diesel mechanic and worked his way up to management. He retired in March 2009 after 41 years of service. He was the true definition of a hard worker. His co-workers would always tell him what a joy it was to work with him. Gary enjoyed his job so he never viewed going to work as a burden or something he did not want to do. When the railroad needed help in another state, Gary was never hesitant to accept the job. Gary's co-workers would always tell him after he retired that it just was not the same without him and they constantly would ask when he was coming back! To say the least, Gary was an avid Virginia Tech fan. He always use to take his sons to the football games when they were young. As his children grew up, they acquired their own favorite teams and he was relentless in his efforts to change their opinions. Gary was a humble man who provided for his family his entire life. He was always modest and never thought of himself first. When Gary retired he purchased the car of his dreams, a Corvette Stingray. Gary owned a Stingray when he first met Joani and was forced to sell it when his kids came in the picture. The family will receive friends from 5-8 PM, Monday, October 31, 2016 at Simpson Funeral Home. A Celebration of Gary's life will be conducted at 11 AM, Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Simpson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707.