Jory Melson

Jory Shawn Melson was born on December 2, 1981, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and died far too soon on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma “Sue” Melson; his father, Bruce Davis; his mother-in-law, Dawn Peterman; and his soul dog, Cringer, who has undoubtedly been waiting for him.

Jory is survived by the great love of his life Jill Melson, whom he married on March 20, 2008. He is also survived by his siblings: Jamie (Maria) Melson, Misty (Jeff) DeYoung, and Shane Melson; his nephews Mickey Smith and Bryar Peterman; his nieces Taylor (Griffin) Young, Abigail Peterman and Kristina Long; his father-in-law, Jeffrey (Connie) Peterman; and his brother-in-law, Brad (Jennifer) Peterman.

Jory had a rough-around-the-edges exterior and a mouth that could make polite company nervous, but beneath that was a loyal, protective, and generous heart. Once Jory chose you, you were in forever. He would help anyone in need, defend the people he loved relentlessly, and expect nothing in return.

He loved Slipknot, Crown Royal, working with his hands, games of all kinds, and dogs. He was sarcastic, arrogant, jovial, and genuinely hilarious, often all at the same time. He loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own and somehow managed to leave an impression on everyone he met, whether they liked him immediately or had to grow into it.

There will be no service, instead, he requested that anyone who loved him raise a glass in his honor, tell a story he would absolutely approve of, and remember him exactly as he was - unfiltered, loyal, and impossible to forget.