Wylie Lee "Bay" Shingles, Jr., 61, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at SHANDS at UF Medical Center in Gainesville. A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, he was the son of Alice Cook and Wylie Shingles, Sr., born on Saturday, December 19, 1953. Wylie was a graduate of Palatka South High School Class of 1971. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for four years, attaining the rank of SP4 and awarded an honorable discharge on May 19, 1975. He was a retired Corrections Sergeant at the Putnam Correctional Institution (East Palatka) and formerly served at the Broward Correctional Institution. He was subsequently employed as a supervisor at True Truss of East Palatka and worked as a Security Guard at the Bingo Palace in downtown Palatka. He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Elizabeth "Midge" Thomas on Saturday, March 25, 2000. Wylie truly loved his family and regarded them as his greatest joy and his priority was to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him "Papa." He attended Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, Superintendent Johnny Shaw, pastor. Wylie's pleasure was in meeting and greeting old and new friends because he loved people. Thus, he never met a stranger. He was very passionate about his association with the brothers of Sturwell Masonic Lodge #348 in Hastings. Wylie's day-to-day preference was to sit in his custom garage to watch his favorite television programs, especially "ESPN First Take" and "The Young and the Restless." He also enjoyed fishing. In addition to his mother and father, Wylie was preceded in eternal rest by his daughter, Kalandra Shingles; stepmother, Gertrude Shingles. He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 14 years, Elizabeth "Midge" Shingles, Palatka; daughters and sons, Katina L. Jordan, Markisha L. Valentine, Freddie L. Valentine, Jr., Jarrard R. Valentine, Sr., all of Palatka; sister, Barbara (Leroy) Rand, Coolidge, AZ; brother, James Bell, Orlando; uncle, Richard Cook, Georgetown; 13 grandchildren; father-in-law, Henry (Roxie) Thomas, Palatka, a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, classmates and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 14 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Reverend Karl N. Flagg, Pastor is the Eulogist. Interment with military honors will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery, 712 S. Palm Avenue, Palatka. The cortege will assemble at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday at Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, 623 N. 9th Street, Palatka.