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October 4, 2024

Jay Edward Shelley passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at his home in Valley Grande. He was born Jan. 9, 1938, to the late Martin Gilliam Shelley and Lucy May Cross Shelley in London, Kentucky.

Jay is preceded in death by his former wife, Lucy Tindal Shelley; brothers, Aubrey (Nancy) Shelley, James (Hazel) Shelley, and Owen (Dot) Shelley; sisters, Madaline (Randall) Leach and Oleta (Bill) Boughton; sister-in-law, Cathy Dunagan; brother-in-law, Junior Rush; son-in-law, Kenny Elder; and grandson, Martin Shelley, Jr.

Jay is survived by his wife, Brenda Ann Shelley; children, Steven Shelley, Denise Elder, Martin (Theresa “Cookie”) Shelley, Beverly (Ronnie) Bandy, Tommy (Amy) Gainer, Tommy Rose, Jr., and Alex (Katie) Rose; grandchildren, Melissa (Peyton) Davis, Miciah Shelley, Sam (Erica) Elder, Brandie (Nathan) Buck, Eric (Jeanie) Bandy, Joshua Bandy, Nichole (Logan) Bassuk, Kylie (Ricky) Sowers, Lexie (Travis) Rinnert, Hollis Rose, and Alexis Rose; great grandchildren, Emma Buck, Emmett Buck, Ella Buck, Jackson Hix, Aubrey Bandy, Gritt Hix, Angus Bandy, Addy Bassuk, Aiden Bassuk, Mason Sowers, and Cooper Sowers; mother-in-law, Hazel (Jimmy) Murphy, sisters-in-law, Patricia “Ann” (Johnny) Bennett and Kerri (Christopher) Gilliam; as well as many beloved family members and friends.

Jay served in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. He retired in 1999 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he was the Power Project Superintendent at Millers Ferry-Jones Bluff Power Project. During his 24 years at Millers Ferry-Jones Bluff Power Project, Jay received numerous achievements for his technical skills, leadership, and safety performance.

Jay was a member of Ocmulgee Baptist Church and VFW Selma Post 3016. He was also a Master Mason and member of the Selma No. 926 of F & AM of the Grand Lodge of Alabama. Jay enjoyed fishing, golfing, and shooting pool.

A memorial service was held Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Ocmulgee Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ocmulgee Baptist Church in Jay’s honor.