Dr. Jay Hathaway Gist Sr. was born in Union, South Carolina to James and Pearl Gist (Waiters) on August 9, 1940.  He graduated from Sims High School in 1959. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1960 with his Aunt Francina. After arriving in Cincinnati, he met and married Clare Parker May 26, 1961, and to that union, five children were born: Jay Jr, Jeffrey, Pamela Renee, Yolanda and Orlando.

He became a member of Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church in 1960 under the leadership of Pastor A.L. Goodwin where he received his call to be a deacon. Shortly after becoming a deacon, he received his call to preach the Gospel in 1971.  He then became pastor of Brushcreek Baptist Church in Sardinia, OH.  Later, he returned to Cincinnati and founded The Baptist Mission in Silverton, Ohio, which was renamed Mt. Paran Baptist Church. He pastored at New St. Paul for five years before returning to Mt. Paran which later changed to Christ Fellowship Assembly.

During his educational years, he left Cincinnati to go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend OIC Electronic School.  Upon returning to Cincinnati, he gained employment at Cincinnati Milacron. Later, he opened his own auto shop called - Jay's Auto Service.  He also took on several other jobs to ensure his family would be taken care of properly.

He earned his first-, second- and third-class license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). He was employed by the City of Cincinnati as a radio technician until retirement.

He attended Temple Bible College as a student earning his Bachelor of Theology, Honorary Doctorate in Theology as well as being presented with Certificates of Appreciation and Excellence and a Plaque of Appreciation and Dedication for Service. He later returned as a professor where he taught Christian Theology and Doctrine and Ethics courses.

Dr. Gist produced two national television programs: The Way of The Light and Family Dialogue. He organized The Christian Fellowship Union composed of five churches and they met on a rotating basis every fifth Sunday to further carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He evangelized (door-to-door) around the City of Cincinnati to continue to bring souls to Christ.

Dr. Jay Hathaway Gist departed this life and went on to glory on Monday, May 5, 2025. His wife, Clare Parker-Gist preceded him in death (November 24, 2011) as well as his parents, Pearl Waiters and James Gist and his nephew, Curtis Johnson (Detroit, Michigan).

He leaves to mourn with cherished memories his five children: Jay Jr. (Felicia), Jeffrey (Tracey), Pamela Renee, Yolanda and Orlando; his grandchildren, McKeshia, Tyeshia (Allen), Tyler (Briana), Tia, Orlando, Brianna, Lorenzo (Harmony) and Elijah; his great grandchildren,  De'marius, La'kari, Bryson, Kaison and LaKya; his sister, Corrine Johnson and brother, Curtis (Butch) Gist; nieces, Sherry Maxwell, Pat Merchant, Leslie Gist-Bell; nephews, Freddie Johnson and Luther Dunn Jr. ; and a host of other relatives, friends and loved ones.