Rev. Garry James Shelton

Rev. Garry James Shelton, 92, of Roanoke, died Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Hermitage in Roanoke.  He was born March 25, 1922 in Gretna, VA, a son of the late Chesley Wade Shelton and Annie Laura Parker Shelton. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Melva and Mary Shelton and Ethel Campbell; two brothers, Otey and Jesse Shelton; one niece, Pamela Pierce and one nephew, Roger Thacker.

Rev. Shelton grew up on a farm in Amherst County and was a graduate of Amherst High School; Lynchburg College, Duke Divinity School, and Advance Studies in Education at Virginia State College, Ettrick, VA.  He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the South Pacific and the Army Reserves for three additional years. He was also ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1955 by Bishop Paul Neff Garber.  Rev. Shelton served in various charges in Virginia, including Madison Co., Petersburg, Scottsville, Hampton, Eastern Shore, Lynchburg, Amherst, Bedford, Appomattox, Botetourt and Campbell Counties for almost 60 years.  After his retirement in 1987, he continued to serve as a pastor as well as volunteer all throughout central Virginia.  He recently enjoyed attending Greene Memorial United Methodist Church in Roanoke and Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Troutville. In addition he was a former member of the Lions Club, Ruritan Club and many others.

Rev. Shelton is survived by his wife, Virginia Campbell Shelton of 70 delightful years; two lovely children, Joan Shelton Dowdy and her husband, Daniel and G. Michael Shelton and his wife, Sandy all of Roanoke; five grandchildren, Jason Dowdy and his wife, Mary, Ben Dowdy and his wife, Ann , Lauren Puckett and her husband, Jacob, Kirk Dent and his wife, Cannady, and Hannah Shelton; four great-grandchildren, Nolan Dowdy, Carolina Dowdy, Trey Dent, and Colt Dent; two sisters, Eva Thacker and Rachel Campbell; one brother, Ernest Ray “Bud” Shelton; one sister-in-law, Doris Johnson, nine nephews, six nieces; two special friends Sang Tran and his wife, Lindsay and many many more.

The family wishes to express no flowers and to please consider in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National D-day Memorial Foundation, PO Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523 or The Virginia United Methodist Homes, 7113 Three Chopt Road, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23226. In addition the family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the Hermitage in Roanoke, The Genesis Rehabilitation Services, and Carillion Roanoke Memorial hospital for their care and compassion during this most difficult time.

A celebration of Rev. Shelton’s life will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Sunday, February 8, 2015 at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Ted Smith, Rev. Louis Strickler and other selected retired Methodist ministers officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.  A graveside service will be conducted at 11 AM, Monday, February 9, 2015 at Amherst Cemetery in Amherst, VA with military honors provided by the Army National Guard of Roanoke.  To send condolences, please visit www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.