"I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. We got to know each other at my first bike shop location, and I remember getting eggs from him. Over the years he would stop by to find out about the latest in bike technology and chat. He had the best smile, your family is our thoughts and prayers."
In loving memory of
John R. Shay
January 11, 1938 - November 21, 2018
John Raymond Shay, age 80, of Morgantown, passed away Wednesday evening, November 21, 2018 at his residence with his family at his side.
He was born January 11, 1938 in Westernport, MD, a son of the late James LaRue Shay and the late Laura Kitzmiller Shay.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley M. Walker Shay; his children, Kasandra M. Shay and her husband Michael Killoren of State College, PA, and Kimberly R. Wright and her husband Laird of Morgantown; his grandchildren, Matias I. Diez Shay, Katelyn Marie Killoren, and Alexandra Renee (Lexi), Caleb Matthew and Ian Andrew Wright; sister, Alta Rose Cannon and her husband Granville of Selbyville, DE, and his twin sister Joanne R. Beavers and her husband Woodrow of Keyser, WV; a sister-in-law, Polly Shay of Pittsburgh, PA; a brother-in-law, Raymond McDowell of Burlington, WV and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Thelma Green, Laura Jean Steward, and Julia Louise McDowell; and his brothers, Lewis Dorsey, James Calvin and Luther Ray Shay.
John graduated from Bruce High School in Westernport, MD, Class of 1956. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1960.
He then enrolled at WVU where he graduated in 1965 with a BA degree, and obtained his masters degree in 1969 in Guidance and Counseling. He worked for Sterling Faucet Company from 1965-1967 and then worked as a Guidance Counselor for 28 years at Clay Battelle High School and Morgantown High School, where he retired in 1997.
John was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Grafton.
Friends may join the family to honor Johns life and legacy at Smith Funeral Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Morgantown on Sunday, November 25th from 1-3 6-8 PM, and again on Monday, November 26th from 12 Noon until the time of the funeral service at 1 PM. John will be laid to rest at the Fairview Cemetery in Pisgah, with Full Military Honors accorded at the graveside.
To send the family your personal condolences and other symbolic gestures, please visit www.smithfcc.com
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"A The Color of Memories Table Arrangement was ordered on November 24, 2018"
"Dear Shirley and family,The world has lost a wonderful man. I remember attending church and always receiving a big smile and a few words that let me know John was genuinely interested and concerned. John went out of his way to show love to everyone he met. My tears and prayers are with you."
"Dear Shirley and Family,My heart hurts for you in your sorrow, as I rejoice that John is experiencing the joy of our Lord. His smile was always a highlight of our days at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Blessings to all of you. "
"Shirley,I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers with all of you during this most difficult time."