John Boy always had a smile. Loved talking about cars and watching the game shows in the evening. 
I know he is in heaven and enjoying being with Jesus and his family.

My Uncle Ora was such an inspiration to me. No matter how much he suffered, he always maintained a smile and a joy for life. He was always asking about my life, if I still lived in GA, and recalling good times we had, like when he saw the mule chase me after throwing rocks at it. His memory was fantastic, just like his "Mommies" He was determined, strong, full of life, and amazed me how he could walk to Erwin and back. His left arm was strong as an ox. God forbid you make him mad. He was afraid of nothing, walking home late at night amongst the bears and mountain lions. Later, he tickled me how he would cut the conversation on the phone short. "I'll see ya Wayne" then click, he would hang up. Whenever I get on the pity wagon, all I have to do is think of the unsung, unknown, true American Hero, my Uncle Ora. I will miss you!

For my dear family and family friends,

I will always remember my Uncle “John Boy,” as an angel on this earth. He was younger than my father, but they looked so much alike. Every year, we spent time in East Tennessee near Asheville during vacation, and we would visit for family reunions. As we grew older and I moved away, those visits became farther and farther apart, but the memories stayed close to my heart.

Uncle John, along with Uncle Jerry, always engaged in intelligent conversations about world news, politics,  & Atlanta. It was never hard to know what was going on locally, either. It was a small town full of relatives, friends, and stories. Today, Erwin/ Greenville has changed so much, our family has grown but those memories of family and community remain precious.

John Boy helped farm tobacco that my grandparents sold to R.J. Reynolds for a period of time, and my grandmother eventually sold mineral rights on approximately 26 acres of land. That land was where we used to find arrowheads and ginseng, pick muscadines, play in the creeks, the barn, ride the working horse and where my Father taught us how to shoot rifles. John was a farmer and helped grow vegetables for the entire family of 15. The Shelton family in Greeneville, Erwin, and the surrounding areas all did their part in loving and helping John Boy as he grew up and grew older.

I remember family telling me how proud they were that he got his own home and even had his own computer. That’s made me so happy for him. He deserved a good life of his own. Despite being born with polio and facing struggles most people could never fully understand, he made a good life of his own. He also lost his twin sister, Flora, to polio, which makes his life story even more tender and meaningful. I know there is a polio organization and I appreciate all they do for people affected. 

John Boy loved his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and all of his family so much. I loved him too! My heart goes out to you all.

I will always remember him as the smiley John boy he was and also the way he had fun at the proms and the way he loved my mom Jamie Griffith he was always her buddy he loved her alot. He was always a out going guy when he saw me and my parents. He expecislly love my dad troy Griffith he would always talk to him a lot when John boy saw my dad . 

You will be dearly missed buddy.

Robin, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of John. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My sister Cathy thought a lot of him. She will miss seeing him at the church when she got to go to church there.

I hate to hear and seen this it  he was such a sweet person  I loved taking  care of him

I have a lot of memories of you so does my husband but we will never forget that smile that could light up the room , you were a 1 of kind person John boy we love you so much you wasn't just someone we took care of as caregivers over the years you were our friend until we meet again buddy

Robin and family so very sorry for the loss of John. He always had a beautiful smile on his face all the time. I know Cathy thought the world of him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

OBITUARY

Ora "John Boy" Shelton

February 18, 1949 – June 6, 2026

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services