’His absence will be forever felt:’ Jay Wiendl, leading Hilton Head hospitality figure, remembered
Jay Wiendl, a long-time leader in the hospitality industry on Hilton Head Island, a mentor to many, a husband and a father, died last weekend. He was 50 years old.
He was the general manager of the Tiki Hut and Beach House Hilton Head, an iconic bar and hotel near Coligny Beach Park. He also served as chairman of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and sat on the Board of Directors for the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
Jay was previously the general manager of the Sonseta Resort on the island, where he was named hotel manager of the year in 2018. He was managing director of The DeSoto hotel in Savannah for several years before returning to Hilton Head.
Away from his desk, he coached for the Hilton Head Baseball Association for many years.
“Jay was a leader in every sense,” said a statement released by Bill Miles, the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, “[He was] steadfast in his commitment to this community, dedicated to his team, and friend to so many. He didn’t just lead; he mentored, always encouraging others to step up, take initiative, and become the best versions of themselves. His impact reached far beyond the boardroom, shaping the careers and lives of those fortunate enough to work alongside him.”
Ray Deal, an island resident, member of the chamber’s board, and Jay’s neighbor, first met Jay in 2012 when he was walking his dog. “As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” Deal wrote. “His first impression was remarkable. An instant connection was made. After only knowing him for a couple months, I made a bold prediction that eventually he would be the Chairman of our board. That happened. Twice.”
Deal remembers spending countless hours with Jay, both professionally and personally, from watching college football, enjoying a good glass of bourbon or spending time on the water.
Jay most of all adored his family, and was incredibly proud of his son Connor, who Deal described as “an amazing young man.”
“Jay Wiendl was not only a business colleague and neighbor, but is the friend that everyone wanted to have. The friend that everyone aspires to be. Honest. Smart. Funny. Dependable. Loyal. I not only lost a dear friend but so did the entire community. His absence will be forever felt. I love and miss my friend,” wrote Deal.
This story was originally published February 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
