Jonah “Jay” Wilson Templeton Jr., 94, of Statesville, N.C., passed away October 7, 2023, at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Jay was born May 15, 1929, in Iredell County to the late Jonah Wilson Templeton Sr. and Dessie Mayberry Templeton.

Jay was in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a barber for 50 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Nancy Lee Benfield Templeton of the home; two sons, Stanley Templeton and wife Tamara of Statesville, and Steve Templeton and wife Christie of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; three grandchildren, Cole Templeton, Lauren Jackson and husband Nick, and Dustin Templeton and wife Kaitlyn; and five great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be conducted Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Ron Setzer will officiate. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 12, 2023, after service in the Cemetery. The body will lie in state on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Chapman Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Full Military rites will be observed.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Templeton family.