Jerry Thomas Shelton was born April 9, 1934, in Wayne County, to the union of the late Arch McDougal and Beulah Mae Pigg Shelton. He was united in marriage to the former Mary Ann Crews on July 1, 1956. Mrs. Shelton preceded him in death on October 22, 1992. Mr. Shelton honorably served his country stationed in Germany as a Specialist in the United States Army from October 30, 1956, to October 17, 1958. He served on the Wayne County School Board for six years and was very active in politics. He will be remembered for loving to deer hunt, his love for sports, especially the Braves, the Vols, the Celtics, and watching his grandchildren play for the Wayne County Wildcats. He loved being on the farm and watching the cows. Mr. Shelton worked mostly as a truck driver and was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. Mr. Shelton departed this life at his home in Waynesboro on Monday, February 19, 2024 making his stay in this life some 89 years, 10 months, and 11 days.
Those left behind to cherish his memory include his children, Jerri Ann Shelton Cantrell of Columbia, TN; Jennifer Lyn Shelton Butler (Mark) of Waynesboro, TN; Jacque Sue Shelton (Mike Pullen) of Columbia, TN; and Jay Thomas Shelton (Angel) of Waynesboro, TN; his siblings, Maurice “Buddy” Shelton of San Angelo, TX; Norma Sue Shelton Perkins of Smyrna, TN; David Allen Shelton of Florence, AL; and Betty Jane Shelton Pinkerton of Trenton, TN; nine grandchildren, Anna Cantrell Darsey (Riley), Allison Cantrell, Sarah Cantrell, Cory Butler (Bonnie), Cale Butler (Shelly), Clint Butler (Jordan), Jyl Staggs (Leonard), Colin Casteel, and Autumn Casteel; nine great-grandchildren, Ryder Butler, Case Butler, Penelope Butler, Neyland Butler, Beau Butler, Clara Mae Butler, Katie Staggs, Hadley Staggs, and Andy Staggs. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by two brothers, Leland Shelton, Sammy Shelton; and a sister, Earline Shelton Daniel.
Funeral services began at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation Chapel with Jeff Smith, Cary Crews, and Greg Eaton officiating. Interment followed in Shields Cemetery.
Bates-Love Funeral and Cremation is honored to serve the Shelton Family.
