Funeral: 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel

Visitation: 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2021 and 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Jones-Preston Funeral Home

Burial: Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky

Jesse Bracken Salyer, 81, of Flat Gap, KY, passed away with his loving family by his side, on March 17, 2021. Jesse was born in Johnson County, to James Henry and Alberta Cantrell Salyer on January 16, 1940. He was the baby boy of eleven siblings and was spoiled rotten by his loving sisters. He attended Flat Gap High School and was known as the legendary point guard, "Fuget Flash" wearing the number 22 during what was considered the "Greatest Game of the 15th Regional Tournament of 1957".   His athleticism earned him a scholarship to become a Hilltopper of the Western Kentucky University Basketball Team. He later transferred to Morehead State University where he earned his degrees.

In his youth, he became smitten with a pretty young lady, Anna Catherine Estep.   They fell in love and were united in marriage on August 4, 1962. Within a couple of years, they started a family, resulting in two wonderful sons, Eric Dewayne and Larry Steven.  As a family, they loved the outdoors and spent many summers camping and fishing with family and friends. Being a kind and dependable husband and father was of the utmost importance to Jesse and he certainly did not disappoint when it came to loving his family. In addition to his devoted wife of 58 years and his sons, Eric (Tammy) of Lexington, and Larry (Jennifer) of West Liberty, Jesse is survived by his granddaughter, Tabitha Cortney Salyer of Ashville, North Carolina, and by his grandson, Truman Storm Salyer of Nashville, Tennessee.  Also, surviving are his step-grandsons, Joshua (Melanie) Howard and Jeremy (Amy) Howard, and four step-great-grandchildren, Levi, Baylei, Bella, and Cannan.  Also, surviving are his sisters, Gay (Jack) Salyers, and Monice Vickers and a number of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in passing by his parents, James Henry and Alberta Salyer; brothers, Charles, Samuel, Jimmy, Noah, Coza and sisters, Anna, Manda, and Esta .  Jesse also loved his companion animals and is survived by his two dogs, Jiggy and Lucky as well as his beloved horse, Flicker, and a host of barn cats and kittens.

Jesse served the children of Johnson County Schools during his entire adult life.  He began his career teaching biology and physical education and coaching his beloved game of basketball.  He went on to hold numerous administrative roles including Director of Finance and Business and Director of Pupil Transportation.  Soon after his passing, his family heard from a former student who revealed, "Mr. Salyer was one of my favorite teachers."  His dedication to the betterment of the students in Johnson County continued throughout his retirement as he attended countless school events and after being elected to the Johnson County Board of Education, he served faithfully until his death.  Jesse served for many years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency for numerous surrounding counties.

Proud of many things, Jesse, with a twinkle in his eye, often boasted of he and Catherine's greatest accomplishments, his two boys; and of his precious grandchildren, "Tabba" and "Tru".  In his later years, he perfected his cornbread recipe and was proud of the name given to their kitchen, "The Joe's Creek Cracker Barrel".  Another proud moment was his induction into the Johnson Central High School Hall of Fame.  He was an avid supporter of the children of Shriner's Hospitals and St. Jude's.  He enjoyed reading John Grisham novels and likely finished every one of them.  He believed in "Giving it all" to do what was right, no matter the challenge ahead.

Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2021 in the Jones-Preston Funeral Chapel with Tim Salyer and Harold Salyer officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, Staffordsville, Kentucky. Friends may visit the Jones-Preston Funeral Home Friday, March 19, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both Honored and Privileged to be Entrusted with all funeral arrangements for Mr. Jesse Bracken Salyer.