John Marion Shelton Jr.

SHELTON, JOHN MARION, JR., 86, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and (whew) great-great-grandfather, was born on Saturday, January 3, 1931 in White Fern, Henderson County Tennessee. He died Sunday, September 24, 2017, in Jackson, Madison County, Tennessee. On that day, following complete healing by the Great Physician, Dad strode strongly, purposefully and humbly into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Celebration of Life: 12:30 pm Saturday, Sep. 30, 2017, Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville, TX. Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Friday, Sep. 29, at Bluebonnet Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family warmly suggests that you spend time with your own family, and shower each other with love, affection, and appreciation. John’s was a life writ large. His positive influence, present in all areas and at all times of his life, is evident to all who have had the privilege to know him. We, as a family, hold tight to our memories. We saw his love for Christ and his love for family lived out every single day of our lives with him. We thank God for that blessing. The way he conducts his life in heaven will differ little from his ways here on Earth. John, at age 17, managed Double Cola in Jackson, Tennessee. He came to Texas in February 1951 and worked for Convair on the B-36. In 1953, he managed Big D Vending at Chance Vought. He started Vendamatic in 1960 and sold it to North Texas Coca-Cola in 1970 and went to work managing the combined operation as Automatic Buffet. The company name was later changed to Automated and Custom Food Group. John was the remaining member of his large family of eleven siblings. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Bobbie Jean (Burke), and son Rodney. John is survived by his wife Nettie Ruth, daughter Debbie Higgs and husband Garry, daughter Vicky Tomlin and husband Fred, son John and wife Kathy, son Mark, a boatload of grandchildren and spouses, a bevy of great-grandkids, and an ever-widening circle of great-great-grandchildren. His influence continues.