Jay Henry De Vries of Hollywood, South Carolina, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on May 28, 2026, following a Bible study in his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 10, 1940, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John and Janet De Vries. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara VanderWal; and his brother, David De Vries.

A true renaissance man, Jay devoted his life to faith, ministry, education, counseling, evangelism, and service to others. He pursued studies in theology, counseling, and apologetics and helped establish three churches in Michigan before marrying his crush from the local pizza parlor, Roxanne (Fischer) De Vries, in 1973. After moving to Charleston, South Carolina, Jay founded his own insurance agency, which gave him the flexibility to continue his lifelong ministry work. He later spent ten years serving in Mexico, helping establish churches and teaching at seminaries.

Throughout his life, Jay remained passionate about evangelism, mentoring, and helping those in need. He founded the Hollywood Food Bank and started a ministry called His Workmen, through which more than 50 homes were repaired for families in need throughout the community. He also faithfully ministered through ABBA House Ministries, where he continued counseling, teaching, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. Jay was a devoted member of both Faith Assembly and Coastal Community Church, two church families he dearly loved. He continued teaching Bible studies, counseling, and serving faithfully in local churches and ministries well into his later years. Jay will be remembered for his unwavering faith, servant’s heart, wisdom, and deep love for people.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Roxanne De Vries; his son Jason De Vries and daughter-in-law Patti, and son Shawn McDonald; his daughters, Tiffany De Vries, Mandy De Vries and son-in-law Ian Frazier, and Mindy Tyler and son-in-law Greg Tyler; and his beloved grandchildren, Cory McDonald, Eli Frazier, Liam Frazier, Madelyn Tyler, and Makenzie Tyler, along with many extended family members, dear friends, and countless brothers and sisters in Christ whose lives were forever impacted by his ministry and friendship.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shannon McDonald, and his son-in-law, Ethan Aneshansley.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Coastal Community Church, 460 Arlington Drive, Charleston, SC 29414.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jay’s memory to Coastal Community Church at https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ and/or to Mission Acapulco by donating to Faith Church at 337 Farmington Road, Summerville, SC 29486 (and note it is for Mission Acapulco).