Julia Wray Shultz

Judy Wray Shultz, 75, of St. George Island, FL , passed away peacefully with her family by her side, March 13, 2022, after a two year battle with cancer. She was born in Winter Haven, FL on September 24, 1946. After graduating from Lakeland High and Kane Business College, she started her traveling by volunteering to go to Vietnam during the height of the war. After returning safely, Judy spent time in San Francisco in the Haight Ashbury district. Her family always joked she was never shocked by anything again.

She found the love of her life, John Shultz, after raising her 3 children as a single mother. She explored many work avenues in Tallahassee, but after marrying John on October 10,1990, they decided to relocate to St. George Island. There, at long last she found her calling. She opened a bookstore. First in Apalach and then on St. George, Judy was in her perfect place. “Hooked On Books” was born and she had a ball. Ordering books for friends, having fascinating conversations with tourists, feeding the bookstore cats and always reading, reading and reading her much-loved mystery stories. She knew her life was perfect.

She was a member of several business and civic organizations, but the group nearest her heart was the Franklin County Humane Society. She and John fed many cats over the years and she was very involved in the spay and neuter programs. She also enjoyed setting up the doggy water station at the Chili Cook-off on the island.

One of Judy's favorite things was to help on Thursday nights at the "Friends" gathering at "Sometimes It's Hotter"on St. George. She loved to visit with the residents and get to know the vacationers. She was a great one for sharing weird facts that she had read or learned, especially from her grandchildren. Being in Vietnam and California whetted her appetite for traveling. She and John enjoyed several cruises, but their favorite trips were always to the North Georgia mountains. They also loved watching the Seminole football team. Judy knew and enjoyed her football and surprised many, mostly men, with the extent of her knowledge..

Judy was preceded in death by both of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Buford Wray (Lucille (Mama Wray). She was survived by her husband of thirty-one years, John W. Shultz; sisters, Shirley Wray Pace and Donna Wray Stafford; Children, Michelle Hicks, Wendy Oropeza (Manny), Rick Kennedy and two bonus daughters, Donna Barfield (Clay) and April Shift (Ricky). She was blessed to enjoy thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren who will miss their "Maw maw”. In addition, her nieces and nephews; Mandy Kollar (Frank Yaun), Jake Pace (Leslie), Wray Pace, Tracy Dempsey (Bubba), Mark Stafford and Jeff Stafford (Jennifer), who all enjoyed Aunt Judy’s sense of humor. Judy was an important and much-loved member of her large, extended family. She will be sorely missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, April 3, 2022 at "Sometimes It's Hotter" on St. George Island, FL.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Franklin County Humane Society will be much appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Shultz family.