Jay Gaston Dover

Jay Gaston Dover, 85, passed away, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at The CarePartners Solace Center in Asheville.

Jay was born in McDowell County on September 1, 1940, to the late Harry Dover and Catherine Williams Dover. He is also preceded in death by his wife, of 35 years Margaret Young Dover and his siblings, William Dover, Donna Lou Dover Wilson, and Rose Marie Dover Mease.

At a young age Jay worked alongside his father Harry T Dover in the insulation business. This laid the foundation for his great work ethic throughout his life.

Jay graduated from Pleasant Garden High School in 1958.

After working several years at Old Fort Finishing he was drafted in the US Army. He left the Army with the rank of Staff Sargent. After the army Jay attended Blanton Business College where he graduated with a Transportation Management Degree. He worked over 20 years with Overnite Transportation as Terminal Manager at various locations. Jay owned and operated Western Asbetos, Inc. in Marion for more than 38 years where he was still working prior to his death.

Jay loved sports especially baseball, Nascar Racing and was an avid UNC Tarheels fan. His most treasured time was spent on the lake fishing.

Jay is survived by his wife Melissa Clark Dover; his daughter, Jennifer Margaret Dover (William); siblings, Rita Dover McMahan (Bill), Annie Dover Byrum, and Molly Dover Hollifield and a special sister-in-law, Kathy Dover.

He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, many close friends and family members.

The family would like to thank Rebecca Upton, Laney Bragg and Darrin Helton with CarePartners for their wonderful caregiving.

A Celebration of Jays life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Story Memorial Presbyterian Church with Rev. Harold Webb officiating the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at McDowell Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to: Story Memorial Presbyterian Church, 174 Shady Lane, Marion, NC. 28752, Mesothelioma Research Foundation, PO Box 24041, New York, NY 10087, and CarePartners Hospice, 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, NC. 28803.