On Wednesday, March 31st, 2021, our most loved, Shane Malcolm Mantz passed away in Newberry, Florida at the age of 34.
Born on June 2nd, 1986, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shane was the beloved son of Jacqueline and Paul Mantz.
Shane was an adventurous soul from the beginning. In 1990, he moved with his family to Cocoa Beach, Florida, where he came to love the beach life and learning to surf. It would be imbedded in his soul, the ocean and the surf. In 1995, to be closer to extended family, Shane and his family settled in Beckley. He attended Maxwell Hill Grade School where he made many lifelong friends, graduating from Independence High School in 2005. He loved sports of all kinds, playing Little League through Babe Ruth Baseball, he enjoyed basketball, skateboarding and surfing.
While in high school, Shane worked at Marquee Cinemas, he then moved to the restaurant business and car sales. After graduation, he attended WVU and Concord University. But, the ocean and warm weather would always beckon. Shane would settle in Myrtle Beach, eventually moving on to Florida, where he found a career in roofing sales which he loved. He formed some of his strongest friendships with the men he worked in the business with in Jacksonville in the last several years; there were several that he loved like brothers.
When we recall Shane, we remember he had the kindest heart of anyone you could meet. He never met a stranger. His infectious smile and beautiful eyes are with us as we think of him. Those he loved, he loved to the depths of his soul. It is said, “You can judge the heart of a man, by his treatment of animals.” Shane always looked out for animals. His dog, Baki was a great joy to him, especially during his last days. Casey Baber, Shane’s good friend since grade school, has adopted Baki and we the family want to thank Casey for his noble act in being able to get him back here to WV to be close to family.
At the end of the day, Shane was all about family. They meant so much to him; his beloved parents, Jacqueline and Paul; his sister, Karen whom he adored and her husband Donnie Bailey and their son, Connor. In the worst of times there always comes a blessing, as the family looks forward to the birth of Karen and Donnie’s second child in the near future. Shane gained a bonus sister in 1997, Kathryn Frazier and her husband Chris and their daughter, Violet, of Albuquerque NM.
Shane leaves his extended family that loved him so much, aunts and uncles, Jeff (Lorraine) MacAulay, Marilyn (Larry) McGlamary, Tom (Debbie) MacAulay, Brian (Matthew Brown) MacAulay, Jerry (Christie) MacAulay; Kelli (JD) Nebling, Susan (Jerry) Weaver; cousins, Ryan MacAulay, Lauren MacAulay Lewis, Emily Porter, Lauren Porter Smith, Jaime McGlamary, Kari Osel, Bryce, Arrienne and Cara MacAulay, Savanna Nebling, Kati Deason; and many other extended family members in New York and Canada.
When Shane crossed over, he did not go alone. He was greeted by his beloved grandmother, Marion MacAulay, who he was so very close to, and grandfather Malcolm MacAulay;grandparents, James and Catherine Mantz; his dear cousin, Drew McGlamary and special friend, Brielle Caughey. Shane’s biological father, Mark Williams has preceded him in death as well.
What can we say on this day and all those we will live without Shane Malcolm MacAulay. “If you knew him just a little, you knew we all have lost a shining light. He had so much goodness in his heart, the capacity to bring happiness to others. The world is a lesser place without him.” The void is beyond description, the sorrow beyond words….Love’s last gift……Remembrance.
On Sunday, May 30th, from 2 to 4pm, there a will be time of remembrance and celebration of Shane’s life at the Pavilion, behind the Beckley Moose Lodge, 410 New River Drive. If the weather becomes inclement, the event will be moved inside. We, Shane’s family, will be forever thankful for the vast outpouring of love, compassion and the gifts we have received, including the sharing of how Shane’s life touched so many people during his time on earth.
We would ask that any donations of sympathy be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Raleigh County, 325 Grey Flats Road, Beckley, WV 25801.
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