Bobby "Jay" Gaskins

Bobby “Jay” Gaskins, 57, of Vanceboro, passed away at his home on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Born on April 10, 1969, Jay was a lifelong resident of Vanceboro and grew up along Highway 118 in the Epworth community. Long before anyone knew what kind of man he would become, there were already clues. His older sister lovingly remembers him as a little tyke standing at the door with one request: “Outside.” Some things never change.

Jay never outgrew his love for the outdoors. Whether he was on the water, spending time at the beach, playing a round of golf, or, in his younger years, hunting deer and later chasing rabbits, Jay was happiest when there was fresh air around him and room to enjoy life.

And if Jay was around, there was a pretty good chance there was music playing—and playing loud. It really didn’t matter what he was driving. A truck needed speakers. A golf cart needed speakers. If it could move, Jay could probably figure out how to put a sound system in it. His playlist could take you from the music of the ’80s straight to The Temptations, but whatever was playing, the volume knob was turned in only one direction … UP!

That was Jay. He enjoyed life, and he wanted the people around him to enjoy it too.

A 1987 graduate of West Craven High School, Jay went on to attend Craven Community College. In typical Jay fashion, he liked to joke that he spent three years there and still didn’t manage to get his two-year degree. His working years included time with Procter & Gamble, and in January 2000 he joined the family business doing vinyl siding. For approximately the past eleven years, Jay also worked with Public Works for the City of New Bern—a job he truly enjoyed. He loved getting to know people, solving problems, and helping folks however he could.

That came naturally to Jay because he was, simply put, a people person. He never met a stranger, and if he happened to meet one, they usually didn’t stay a stranger for very long. He had a warm personality, an easy smile, a quick sense of humor, and a way of making people feel like they had known him longer than they actually had. To some he was Jay, to others “Jay Bird,” and to plenty more he was simply “Uncle Jay.”

Jay also knew his way around a grill and enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and gathering family and friends together. For him, good food was even better when it was shared with people he loved.

But as much as Jay enjoyed the outdoors, the beach, golf, hunting, cooking, and loud music, none of those things came close to what mattered most to him: his family.

For 36 years, he shared life with his loving wife, Lisa. He was tremendously proud of his son, Chase, and his influence as a father reached well beyond his own home. Over the years, many of Chase’s friends discovered that Jay had a way of becoming a second dad to them too. His door was open, his friendship was genuine, and there always seemed to be room for one more.
Then came his granddaughter, Ella Blair.

She quickly became the “apple of his eye,” and Jay was more than happy to inform anyone who might question it that Ella “loved him best.” He said it with a smile, of course—but anyone who knew Jay probably also knew there was no use trying to argue the point with him.

Family truly was the center of Jay’s world. He loved being with them, laughing with them, cooking for them, and simply doing life alongside them. He lived fully, laughed often, loved deeply, and seemed determined to have a good time along the way.

Jay was a longtime member of Epworth Methodist Church and a member of Vanceboro Lodge No. 433 A.F. & A.M.

Those who knew Jay will remember a man who was funny, friendly, generous with his time, and almost always wearing a smile. They will remember the music turned up a little too loud, the grill fired up, the stories and laughter, and a man who could make a friend just about anywhere. Most of all, they will remember how much he loved his family and how well he loved the people fortunate enough to be part of his life.

The world may be a little quieter without Jay in it—and knowing him, he probably wouldn’t approve of that at all.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lisa Davis Gaskins; his son, Bobby Chase Gaskins and wife, Carlie Jean; his beloved granddaughter, Ella Blair Gaskins; his sister, Wendy Gaskins Decker and husband, Benjamin; his father-in-law, Doc Davis and wife, Helen; and his mother-in-law, Sandy Baker Braxton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Carol Gaskins.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, in the sanctuary of Epworth Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Jay’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina, 529 Moye Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27834.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Bobby “Jay” Gaskins.