Joseph John “Johnny” Palya Jr. died Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Sherman Medical Center, after a rough year to many illnesses, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Sherman, TX, on February 2, 1959, to Joseph John Palya Sr. and Betty Evelyn (Taylor) Edwards. Johnny was raised in Sherman and graduated from Sherman High School in 1977. He later attended Austin College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

He married Elaine Margaret Burton in Sherman on June 4, 1983. Elaine passed away on January 24, 1998. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Johnny was a very successful painting contractor in Sherman for many years. He painted many beautiful homes and businesses in Grayson County. Johnny loved to scuba dive in his younger years and made many lifelong friends. He had a love for the water and Lake Texoma. His friendly demeanor and his quality of work were hard to match. His work was always in high demand.

After Elaine’s death, Johnny volunteered time and funds to non-profit organizations. He would help anyone in need and was always available to lend an ear to a friend who might need someone to listen to them. Johnny loved to cook and was always feeding someone. He had a great love for animals and his cat Nicky.

He was one of the friendliest people you could ever meet and made friends everywhere he went. Those spontaneous friendships would last for decades.

Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, his father, Joseph John Palya Sr., his mother, Betty Edwards, and his stepfather, John Edwards.

He is survived by a brother Bill and wife Diane Palya of Gainesville, a sister Jo Ann and husband Robert Woods of Memphis, TN. Among those mourning his loss are his dear friends Kent Neal, his long-time roommate and 2 chosen sisters, Tammy Avants and Amy Jackson Jambor, whose bond with him was one of love, loyalty and family. Johnny always said he was lucky enough to have had 3 dads, including James Jackson.

A memorial service will be held at 5 pm, Monday, June 22, at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at Waldo Family Center, for a time of fellowship and storytelling. In lieu of flowers please donate to Home Hospice of Grayson County or Callie Clinic in Sherman, Tx.