John "Jay" Milton Rachels, II, age 40, died July 23, 2017. Born in Cleveland County on October 2, 1976 he was the son Milton Rachels of Shelby and the late Rhonda Kay Clark Rachels. Jay was a 1994 graduate of Crest High School and attended Cleveland Community College. Jay was a manager for Dairy Queen in Shelby. Jay enjoyed football and was computer savvy. Jay always had a positive attitude and refused to have a bad day. He believed in being kind to others and loved making people laugh and spreading his love of life to everyone. In addition to his mother, Jay is preceded in death by a nephew, Elijah Floyd.

In addition to his father, Milton Rachels and girlfriend, Becky Sloan of Shelby, Jay is survived by his wife, Raven Ridge Rachels; a daughter, Malia Rachels of Shelby; two stepsons, Ethan Bolding and Carson Bolding both of Boiling Springs, SC; two sisters, Lynne Floyd and husband Jason and Kristen Pritchard and husband Fred all of Shelby; two nieces, Halle Jones, Eva Floyd; and a nephew, Ethan Floyd; aunt and uncle, Lem and Tina Rachels of Shelby; cousins, Karly Rachels and J. L. Rachels both of Shelby; mother-in-law, Brenda Ridge of Ft. Mill SC; and father-in-law, Terry Ridge of Blacksburg SC.

Celebration of Jay's life will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Marburger officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Children's Miracle Network, c/o Carolina Healthcare Foundation, 208 E. Blvd, Charlotte NC, 28203 or Cleveland County Hospice, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Rachels.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com