CASTALIA – Shelton Ray Smith, age 74, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on March 23, 1949, he was the son of the late Elijah Ruffin Smith and Minnie Clara Jane Joyner Smith. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Boyd, Jack, Daniel, Coy, Floyd, Ervin, Troy, and Grady Smith; his sisters, Ora Edwards, Ruth Joyner, Katherine Catlett, and Letha Rowe; and his nieces and nephews, Bonnie Ammons, Danny Smith, Sandra Moss, Durwood Edwards, Skyler Smith, and Phyllis Raines.
Shelton owned and operated Nashville Starter & Generator for 21 years. He enjoyed working on cars and small engines. Shelton loved fishing, playing guitar and the dobro, and also liked to travel with family and friends. He was a wonderful Sunday school teacher and loved reading his bible. He was a loving uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
Shelton is survived by his sisters-in-law, Mae, Jean and Linda Smith; and his nieces and nephews, Ronnie Smith, Charles Allen Joyner, Crystal Williams, Lois Ingram, Billy Catlett, Marvin Catlett, Niki Cross, Grady Smith, Jennie Webb, Autumn McLaughlin, and Darlene Jones.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Shelton’s life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor David Proctor officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Shelton’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 930 B Wellness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
I going to miss you Shelton I am so glad that I went to see you at the nursing home. You are not suffering no more rest in peace 😭
So sorry, for the family, to hear about Shelton’s passing, yet rejoicing for him finally being in God’s presence. Meredith and I enjoyed the many opportunities we had to play music with Shelton and some of the other Smith Brothers. He was blessed with a good ear for tuning, playing instruments, and singing. We are saddened that our paths will cross no more until we meet again at on Hallelujah Highway. Praying that God’s grace will be there for the family during this time of mourning, and that if any are lost, they will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior, so they too can experience the joy and peace Shelton knew.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David Crisp (and his girls Keri & Amanda) Former coworker and friend from Dale Bone Farms
What an honor and privilege to have known Mr. Shelton, and many of the “Smith Brother’s”.
Some of my fondest memories are of playing gospel and bluegrass music with them at various different places and events growing up. Shelton’s gift of music was a blessing to many, and his harmonies were unmatched. His genuine heart and love for the Lord shown in everything he did. Sad that he is gone, but celebrating the fact that he is experiencing never ending love and joy in the presence of his Savior.
Til we meet again in Glory.
Knew him well years ago, Sorry for the loss. Never knew his sister was Ora Edwards she was one of my Moms best friend. Wish I knew where Durwoods son is. Think his Newphew Danny was also a School friend of mine at Coopers. Small world.
Daddy, even though it doesn’t say in the obituary you were also a great father. You were the only father that I knew and this pain of losing you is one of the worse pains I am sorry daddy that I missed your funeral, I did not know that you went home. 🥲🥲 I love you Daddy, until we meet again in Heaven, I will carry you in my heart. 💔💔🥲🥲