Cecil Shelton

Cecil Shelton, 90, born on May 18, 1935, in Gibson, peacefully transitioned into his eternal home Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center. Cecil lived a life marked by unwavering faith, dedication to family, and a commitment to hard work.

From a young age, Cecil left school after the sixth grade to work on the family farm, forging a strong bond with the land that defined much of his upbringing. He married early in life, in 1951, beginning a journey that would see him navigate both the joys and sorrows of family life. Throughout his career, he worked as a presser at the Stapleton Garment Company until its closure, after which he channeled his hardworking spirit into a successful lawn care business, continuing to serve his community until health challenges arose.

Cecil’s personal life was marked by profound love and loss. He faced the poignant sorrow of losing his first wife, Shirley Sheppard Shelton, in 1972, a heartbreak that was followed by a second marriage to Josephine Stewart Shelton, who preceded him in death in 2009. He also grieved the loss of his son, Emery "Pete" Shelton, as well as his parents, Essie Dell Hadden Shelton and Carlton "Slick" Shelton, along with two siblings, Amy Langford and Mary Frances Atkinson; and three bonus sons, Ronnie Albea, Charlie Albea and Wade Albea.

Despite these trials, Cecil remained a pillar of strength and happiness, known for his honesty, reliability, and simple joys in life. He attended Bethel Church of Glascock County, formerly known as Bethel United Methodist Church, where his faith sustained him through life’s challenges.

His personality shone brightest through family gatherings and cherished moments spent outdoors, often sitting on the porch of his home on Lamp Road, chewing tobacco and watching the world go by. Cecil led a simple life, enjoying simple pleasures—he lived in the present. He loved to “ride”—he loved driving his truck to Wrens, sometimes several times a day, and eating at the Huddle House. Most notably he loved to ride his motorcycle and especially enjoyed trips to the mountains—Cherokee and Pigeon Forge—with the Wing Nut Riders. Cecil always had a dollar and a pack of tobacco in his pocket, as well as bubble gum for the grandkids.

Cecil was a family man at heart, deeply loving his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Cecil S. Shelton Sr. (Pat) and Elaine S. Atkins (James); daughter-in-law, Vicky Shelton; bonus sons, Bennie Albea (Katherine), David Albea (Stacey), Robert Albea (Bobbie), and Jerry Albea (Jeraldine); and his grandchildren, Cecil S. Shelton Jr. (Valerie), Becky S. Poole (Lance), Shirley A. Henke (Laith), Sally A. Shumaker, Laura Shelton, and Jennifer S. Rich (Jeff). He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren; three siblings, Christine May, Thomas Shelton, and James "Pemite" Shelton; along with numerous bonus grandchildren, bonus great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.

In honoring Cecil's life, family and friends are invited to gather at James Funeral Home for visitation from 11:30AM – 1:00PM Thursday, January 29, 2026. The funeral service officiated by Donna Avera Luker will be held at 1:00 PM in the James Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at the Bethel Church Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center for the loving, professional care shown him over the last three years. They also wish to acknowledge the joy and happiness Cecil experienced after Jeffrey “Tiny” Kitchens came to be his roommate and became his best friend.

Cecil Shelton’s legacy of love, hard work, and joyful simplicity will continue to inspire those who knew him, as they remember a man who lived each day to the fullest, surrounded by the warmth of family and the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.