LISA HOBBS – Contributor
It’s time for someone to demonstrate compassion and lessen the heartache felt by the family of Joshua David Day.
Josh, as he was called by family and friends, was last seen on Friday, July 24, 2020. On that day, he went riding four-wheelers with friends in the Foster Falls area. One of those acquaintances reported that they were chased by persons unknown, and they became separated. The ATV was found during subsequent searches, but Josh was not.
“It’s been three years since my brother disappeared,” said Missy Day. “No family should have to go through what we’ve endured. Josh was an amazingly warm, caring, giving individual,” said Missy Day. “We want him back. He literally gave me the shirt off his back when I was attacked by Bud Werner’s dogs. Everyone all over Grundy County knows how special Josh was. We just wish he could still be all he was to us, but someone’s taken that all away.”
Missy described a daily emotional struggle of not knowing, while living with his absence during birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
Looking back on those initial days, she described the first hours were ones of confidence that Joshua would be found, safe and sound. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, certainty diminished, and doubt slowly crept in that he might not be found unharmed.
Searches were conducted by Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, with assistance from community volunteers. Those hunts also included a professional search and rescue dog team. As previously stated, only his four-wheeler was found.
“We greatly appreciated the community’s support during that time and people’s willingness to help in the search,” said Gary Day, Josh’s father. “The community impressed me so much. I’d also like to express my gratitude for the parks department and its assistance. Everyone came together in an effort to find Josh.” 
Now that months have slipped into almost three years, the family is seeking closure: a sense of understanding, peace, and acceptance. While it’s difficult to talk about, the likelihood that they are seeking his remains is a real possibility.
Through strained words filled with emotion, Missy stated, “If he’s no longer alive, we want to give him a proper burial. He deserves that. Please, if you know something, if you can help us find him, let us know. You can do it anonymously. Give us closure, so that we can begin to grieve his loss.”
Still available is a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the successful, verified finding of Josh. Anyone with information is urged to contact Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, call the family at 931-924-2077 or by emailing HelpFindJoshDay@gmail.com.
