William “Bill” Ray Shelton, Sr. passed away October 3, 2021

SHELTON—William “Bill” Ray Shelton, Sr., 78 of Fayetteville, Georgia, passed away at Fayette Piedmont Hospital at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Shirley (Scarberry) Shelton; brother, Ronny Joe Shelton; and granddaughter, Rachael Lynn Hough.

Bill was born March 15, 1943, in Bluefield, W.Va., and he grew up in the small, coastal town of Florence, Ore., where he graduated from Siuslaw High School.

Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force upon graduating from high school in 1961. He primarily was stationed at McChord Air Force Base, also serving in the Vietnam War in 1966.

Bill held a few different careers following his military service, including working as a pressman, and as a commercial truck driver following his retirement at the age of 65.

When asked why he returned to the workforce as a commercial hauler after retirement, his reply was that he always wanted to see the country. Bill’s beloved wife accompanied him on many of his work trips across the country. 

Bill and his wife were actively involved in their church. He was a man of considerable faith.

In addition, Bill loved football, cooking, and spending time with family. He is so incredibly loved by many people and will be remembered and missed by those who knew him.

Most of all, Bill was a family man. In addition to his beloved wife Joyce of nearly 49 years, he is survived by daughters Chris and Sharon; sons, Edward, Morgan and Bill; as well as 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Bill also is survived by brothers, Jim and Don, and his sister, Sue. There also are “the kids” and others he met on his mission trips to China, including those who he hosted in his home, who he treated and considered as family.

The memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at Mowell Funeral Home, 180 Jeff Davis Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Fayette County Humane Society.