Jay was born in Temple on November 18, 1976, and graduated from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor after attending primary and high schools in Salado. He was a manager at Garlyn Shelton Auto Group in Temple, specializing in trade-in appraisals. He and his family attended church at Restoration Fellowship in Holland.
Jay and Wendy Randolph Shelton married on October 25, 2024, a relationship that came “full circle”. They had been engaged to marry 20 years before this union, but went their separate ways instead. Their honeymoon to Italy was almost perfect, except for Jay’s nausea from indulging in beloved Pistachio Cannoli from Rome to Naples to Milan.
Jay was sentimental and a fan of anything retroactive — especially cars! His car collection has included a pristine Ford Fox-Body Mustang, a B210 Datsun, an El Camino, a ‘93 Volvo, two Buick Grand Nationals, and two DeLorean’s. One of his prized possessions was the 2000 Chevrolet 2500 truck previously owned by his granddad (Poppy) Jay Goodman. He also owned a collection of vintage Star Trek memorabilia, some items in original packaging from the 1980’s. Jay's most cherished possession was the saving grace of Jesus.
Even though he loved back-dated items, when it came to building his Salado home, he presented creative drawings and ideas for making the home uniquely contemporary.
Jay had a lively sense of humor and loved playing pranks, beginning in childhood. A multitude of practical jokes could be recited by friends and family members.
Jay was kind, thoughtful and generous. On any Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or birthday, he might be standing at the front door delivering a beautiful bouquet or package. He never wanted to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Jay was seldom still and loved traveling. He has concluded his greatest journey. He will live in our hearts forever.
Jay is survived by his spouse Wendy Shelton, his loving parents, Garlyn & La Juan Shelton, daughter Emberlynn Faye Shelton, step-daughters Kinley and Madison Jaynes, aunt Darla Curry and cousin Kyle Curry.
Jay was preceded in death by grandparents Odis and Della Shelton, Jay and step-grandmother Susie Goodman and maternal grandmother Imogene Goodman, as well as uncle, Larry Jay Goodman, and cousin, Melissa Layne Goodman.
Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home on Friday, March 27, 2026, 3110 Airport Rd, Temple, TX. Private graveside service will be held with his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Restoration Fellowship, PO Box 309, Holland, TX. 76534.
