Edsel Richard Shuford, age 76, of Newton, NC passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 17, 2020. Born October 13, 1943 in Lincoln Co., NC, he was the son of the late William Arthur and Willie Velma Sorrels Shuford. In addition to his parents, a brother, Charles William Shuford, preceded him in death. Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Graduating with the class of 1962 from Hickory High School, and then from Catawba Valley Technical Institute with an Associate’s degree in business in 1970, he followed a passion for business and floral design in the furniture accessory industry. Throughout his working years, he owned various successful businesses including “Artistry Design” of Newton, as well as the Hickory-metro area's first Christmas outlet, "The Christmas Shoppe". He continued to stay a highly active partner of "Tree Masters, Inc." in Newton, NC until his passing. He loved the beauty of the mountains, and as a sports fanatic, anything that was Duke (Let's Go Devils). His true loves in life were God, his wife, his family, friends, and his employees, with whom he loved just like family. Survivors include his wife, Kay Shuford; daughters, Dorothy Spencer and her husband, Lance, and Annette Shuford and her fiancé, Tim Setzer; grandchildren, Chelsea Perkins, Christy McHugh, and Adam Elliott; great grandchildren, Nathanyel Perkins, Lucas McHugh, Phoebe Elliott and Payton Elliott; a sister, Dorothy Shuford Adams. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday September 21, 2020 at Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory. The Rev. Marc Adam Williamson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton. Condolences may be sent to the Shuford family at www.willisreynoldsfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Catawba County, 3224 20th Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602.