Reverend Raymond Edward Shelton, Jr., 73, of 413 S. Hamilton Street in Eden, passed away Tuesday morning, May 12, 2015 at Cone Hospital in Greensboro.
A memorial service will be held at 7 PM on Thursday, May 14, at Osborne Baptist Church.
Mr. Shelton was born November 16, 1941 in Bassett, VA to the late Raymond Edward and Fannie Pegram Shelton. He pastored several churches during his career; Heritage Baptist Church in Grand Blanc, MI, Fontaine Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA, and Friendship Baptist Church in Lincoln Park, Michigan from which he retired. Reverend Shelton served as interim pastor for other churches in North Carolina and Virginia after retirement and most recently was serving as Pastor of Pastoral Ministries at Osborne Baptist Church in Eden.
He is survived by his wife, Murry Jo Edwards Shelton, of the home; sons, Chris Shelton and wife, Mythianne of Horse Pasture, VA, and Raymond E. "Eddie" Shelton, III, of Eden; brother, Phillip Shelton and wife, Delores of Custer, SD; sister, Linda S. Sefcik and husband, Don of Grand Blanc, MI; and sister-in-law, Donna Johnson of Reidsville.
The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday evening, 5 - 7 PM, at Osborne Baptist Church and other times at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Osborn Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Jo, Chris, Eddie and all the family: Our hearts are broken here in Michigan at the passing of Pastor Ray. He impacted so many of our lives. I was privileged to work in the church office for years during his pastorate at Friendship. He was so kind and compassionate to everyone. Our deepest sympathy to you, with much love and prayers.
Joyce Hansard
Jo,
I am so very sorry and our hearts are heavy with yours. You and Bro. Ray helped me through the most difficult time of my life and I could never repay you guys for what you've done for me. You held me up when I couldn't stand and didn't know what to do. That means more to me than you know. I can't imagine what you are going through. I know you have a ton of people that love you both dearly and will be praying for you in the difficult months to come.
I love you!
Linda
Linda Rosendall
Please know that our hearts and prayers are with your family. Brother Ray was one of the first pastors I met when I came to Michigan. He was a kind and gracious man who made one feel that they mattered. I am reminded of the word's of Jesus when He said in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." May Ray's example be an inspiration to us all.
Pastor Jeff Noble
Pastor Ray had been crucified with Christ and Ray no longer lived, but Christ lives in Ray.
The life Ray lived in the body, he lived by Faith in the Son of God, who loved us all
And gave Himself for us all. I praise God for Pastor Ray Shelton!
John Goldwater
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jo and family. Pastor Ray was so kind to my Mother and myself especially during the last years of my Mothers life. All the thoughtfulness is truly appreciated, he was a wonderful man and a great example. We know he is truly in a better place.
Karem Harris
Karem Harris
There are no words to fully express our feelings for Pastor Ray. To know him was to love him. May God give comfort and peace to Jo and the family.
Betty & Wayne Tate
My husband, Chad, and I feel honored that Ray Shelton spent some of his last day on earth ministering to us. We were in the ER and Ray came to visit and pray with us. We told him that we knew he came a long way just to see us and he said, "It doesn't matter." He came so quickly that we joked he beat us to the ER! He took a special moment just to console me. This was his 3rd visit as he came the other times too - within minutes of the first visit we realized what a sweet man he was. We certainly do not take it for granted that he made us his last act of Christian service. To Ray's family: Our hearts break for you and we are praying for comfort in your grief. Love, Chad and Andrea Hatcher
Andrea Hatcher
Jo, Eddie and Chris:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss from mom (Jenny Morris). It has come as such a shock as I know to you as well. Please know that all of you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With my deepest sympathy, Jonathan Morris (Winston-Salem)
Jonathan Morris
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We know that God has a plan for us and our faith in God lets us know that we will see each other again.
Jim and Kim Morris (son of Jenny Morris), Robbins, NC
Jijm and Kim Morris
So grateful for Pastor Ray's ministry to my parents, Richard & Juanita Woody, in the later years of their life.
Ron Woody
I meet Mr. Shelton in Ronnie Bullins grievance class last fall. He seemed like a humble man full of wisdom. So sorry for your lost. We will pray God comforts you during this great lost.
Mr & Mrs. Phillip Worley
I first knew Ray as Mrs. Fannie's son. She was joyously proud of him as well as Linda and Phil. I then knew Phil as a fellow pastor and as an effective preacher of God's word. It was a joy to work with him in revivals and other projects. He was highly respected not only as a pastor but as a leader in denominational work in the association and state and beyond. I was privileged to also know Ray as a friend who was a devoted family man with great love for his wife, Jo, and his boys. I'm so glad I knew Ray Shelton.
Levi Parish
Chris~ Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ?¢‚Ǩ?ìDeath leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. From an Irish headstone?¢‚Ǩ¬ù. May the love and wonderful memories bring you comfort at this time.
Robert & Pam Brookman
Ray & Jo Shelton have been a tremendous blessing to Les and I, all of our lives.We first met them his very first Sunday at Fontaine Baptist Church. He was a beloved pastor to us, and if any pastor deserves the title of "Reverend", Ray Shelton deserves that title. The two of you will never know how much you ministered to our family all those years ago. You helped us through several losses of children through miscarriages and stillbirth.
Our hearts were broken when you left us to minister in Michigan, but we so enjoyed seeing you when we drove out there, and our visit with you was like heaven on earth. We truly love you, Jo, Eddie & Chris; and we loved your husband, Jo, and boys,your father. Ray is singing and walking in those streets of gold. Praying for you and yor tremendous loss at this time. God Bless you, Sheilla & Les Coplin Spencer, Va.
Les & Sheilla Coplin
I'm at a loss for words. Nothing I say can adequately describe the impact you've had on my life and the life of countless others. Your gentle and faithful life was lived well, and now you will spend eternity with Jesus and the totality of those who have gone before you, and those who will come after you in Christ.
I will miss your occasional tech support calls, your genuine love and humor, and your extreme wisdom and godliness. But, I will not mourn for you as those who have no hope. For you are with Christ now.
Union in Christ! Glory be to God!
"Johann" Baugh
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Born: Sunday Nov 16, 1941
