Jacob "Jay" Judy, Jr.

Jacob “Jay” Burns Judy, Jr., 68, entered eternal rest on July 12, 2024, at his home in Graniteville, South Carolina. His wife, Anita K. Judy, was by his side when he passed due to progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

 Born on March 7, 1956, the first son of Jacob B Judy and Elizabeth Snell Judy. He grew up in Orangeburg County near Neeses, graduating from Hunter Kinard High School in Norway. He initially worked as a welder following high school; a trade that he would come back to later in his career. Jay never shied away from hard work, holding various types of roles in construction over his long career. He retired at the end of 2023 due to health concerns.

Jay first married in 1974 and had two children, Jonathan Judy, 48, & Jennifer Judy, 44. Jay later married Anita in 1990, blending their families with her two daughters, Mehgan Pilgrim, 38, and Lauren Pilgrim, 36.

Family was very important to Jay. The definition of family not only included many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, but also all the bonds and relationships that he made through friends, neighbors and church. Many of Jay & Anita’s closest network were found through Cedar Creek Church. He was an active member of their HOME group and taught in Sunday school. He excitedly supported the recent transition to Fearless Church.

 Jay lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed great food and company, traveling, fishing, and spending time with loved ones. He enjoyed frequent Disney World vacations with Anita and his grandkids. These times together were so meaningful to him that he treated the entire family and their children to his last trip at the end of 2023. He loved working in the yard and was proud of the special haven he had built at his home.

Jay was predeceased by his brother John H. Judy (1960), his mother Elizabeth Snell Judy (1997) and his father Jacob Burns Judy, Sr. (2004). He is survived by his wife, Anita K Judy; son Jonathan Judy-del Rosario, his husband Kurtland del Rosario, and their two children Elizabeth & Cooper; daughter Jennifer Judy; daughter Mehgan Thornton and her two children Coltyn & Avery; and daughter Lauren Koontz, husband Emmanuel Koontz, and their 4 children Scarlet, Luke, Olivia and Gray. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Toby Bruce and Lisa Judy, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at noon, located at Fearless Church in Graniteville. Friends and family are invited for visitation from 11am-12pm prior to the service. The family is accepting flowers or plants, or a donation can be made to Fearless Church, 621 Trolley Line Rd, Graniteville, SC 29829.

 SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC