Joseph P. Shelton

Joseph P. Shelton was born on June 5, 1930 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Joseph Sr. and Bessie Shelton. He was the oldest of 4 children, a father of 2, grandfather to 5 and great grandfather to 3. To his family he was known as Sonny, Daddy or Papa. His friends knew him as JP.

He was a graduate from Castlemont High School in Oakland – The Class of 1949. Upon graduating from high school, Joseph entered the workforce as a Foundry Worker in Oakland CA from 1954-1955. From 1955 – 1957, he worked for the Chrysler Corporation in Los Angeles CA. Relocating back to Oakland, CA, he worked for TransOcean Airlines from 1957-1960. In 1960, he worked at General Motors until his retirement in 1987.

At the age of 21, he enlisted in the US Army and served from 1951-1954. It was during this time that he met Ruby Jean Wade and fell in love. On July 23, 1951 they were married. They were happy and living the dream. They began growing their family with their first-born child, a beautiful daughter, named Regina Yvetté. A few years later, a handsome son was born whom they named Donald Jay. As life went on, he would eventually remarry.

He had a passion for working on cars. He not only worked on his own car but anyone in the family or in his community that needed auto repairs. Not only was he a mechanic, he was also a forklift operator, a skilled carpenter and welder.

He had a spirit about him that brightened a room! A laugh that warmed your soul! Jokes that kept you laughing, even on his worst days. Most of all, his smile is what you will remember most about him. It just lit up his face. . . it ALWAYS made you want to smile back.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr and Bessie Shelton. Loving wife Ruby Wade Shelton. Daughter, Regina Shelton Bryant. His siblings, Vivian Shelton Teamer, Lillian Powell and Jack Shelton.

He is survived by his son, Donald Jay Shelton (Gigi Shelton). Grandchildren Rayna Simpson, Ryan Joseph Shelton, Keyonna Tishzay Shelton, KeAndre Manning, Keyahla Finney. Great-grandchildren Kiera Renee Gallegos, El Ray Henry III and Key’ior Naryah Shelton. As well as a large host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and many friends.