Mr. Jeffrey Panya, age 45, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. His sudden departure has left his family and friends in deep sorrow. Those who knew Jeff remember a kind-hearted man who lived with quiet passion and brought gentle joy to those around him through his unique interests and warm personality.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Jeff later moved to Tennessee and graduated from Pearl Cohn High School in 1999. He carried the influences of his early years with him while building a life in Murfreesboro. His roots remained important to him, and he maintained strong connections with his family throughout his life.
Jeff enjoyed comics, various forms of anime, and video arts. These creative pursuits brought him real happiness and became a significant part of how he expressed himself. Friends and family recall how his enthusiasm for these hobbies often sparked lively conversations and revealed his imaginative and thoughtful nature.
He is survived by his parents, Nam and Bouapeth Panya; his siblings, Katethong Keovilay, Bobby Panya, and Tony Panya and his wife Madison; and his nieces and nephews, Scottie, Paulina, Pebbles, Katie, Khloe, Pierce, and Penelope. Jeff’s family was central to his world, and the love they shared will remain a lasting source of comfort during this difficult time.
Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro. A Traditional Lao Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm at the same location. These services will provide an opportunity for loved ones to gather, share memories, and honor Jeff’s life.
As family and friends mourn Jeffrey Panya, they celebrate a life that, though shorter than hoped, was filled with creativity, family devotion, and quiet kindness. His memory will continue to live on through the stories shared and the love he gave so freely to those closest to him.
