Lance Mack Shelton Jr.

March 2, 1939 – November 8, 2026

Lance Mack Shelton Jr., 87, passed away on November 8, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, laughter, and a life well lived.

Born on March 2, 1939, in Mississippi, Mack was the son of Lance Mack Shelton Sr. and Mary Shelton, the oldest of seven children.

Mack proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, spending part of his military service stationed in Germany, where his son, Jeff was born. Following his active-duty service, he continued his commitment to his country by reenlisting in the Air Force Reserve.

After earning his bachelor's degree in accounting, Mack enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years as an insurance auditor and consultant. He took pride in his profession, earning high accolades and the respect of those who worked alongside him.

One of the greatest blessings of Mack's life was his beloved wife of 44 years, Gail Kelley Shelton. Their love story began at Baptist Hospital, where Gail, an RN, was caring for Mack's sister. What began as a chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage and a lifetime of shared memories. Gail passed away just 19 weeks before Mack. While their family grieves the loss of both in such a short time, they find comfort in the beautiful thought of Mack and Gail being reunited in the presence of their Savior.

Although Mack accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest treasures were never found in professional achievements or recognition. They were found in his faith and in the family he loved so dearly.

His family includes his children, Jeff Shelton and wife Tammy, Paige Shelton Shappley, and husband, Scott; and his beloved grandchildren, Lance Shelton and wife Heather, Aden Shelton , Emma Shappley, and Sophie Shappley.

To his grandchildren, he was simply "Granddaddy" a title he wore with tremendous pride. Known for his playful spirit, quick wit, and endless love of a good prank, Mack had a special gift for making people laugh. He especially delighted in joking with his grandchildren, creating moments of laughter and memories that will be treasured for generations.

Mack treasured the friendships he made throughout his life. He remained close to his high school classmates over the years and valued the fellowship and friendships of his Sunday school class.

Above all, Mack loved the Lord. His Christian faith was not simply something he professed; it was the foundation upon which he built his life and raised his family. In high school, Mack purchased his own Bible, never knowing just how meaningful that Bible would become to the generations who followed him. Each Christmas, he gathered his family and read the story of the birth of Jesus from those treasured pages. Year after year, through changing seasons of life, that tradition remained. Even last Christmas, Mack once again opened that same Bible and shared the greatest story ever told with those he loved.

Mack will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord, his love for Gail, his pride in his family, his distinguished service to his country, and the laughter that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

Though his family will deeply miss his jokes, his wisdom, his familiar voice, and his presence at family gatherings, they can find peace in the assurance that the faith Mack lived by is now the promise he has received.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Mack was preceded in death by parents Mack Sr and Mary Shelton. Loving wife Gail. Sisters, Gwen Shelton, Barbara Harrison, and Jane Couturie. Survived by son, Jeff Shelton (Tammy), daughter, Paige Shelton Shappley (Scott), grandson, Lance Shelton (Heather), granddaughter, Emma Shappley, granddaughter, Sophie Shappley, and grandson, Aden Shelton. Brother, James "Bo" Shelton, Velma Shelton Graham (John), Margaret Shelton Driskell (Larry). Many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi 39209.

A funeral service celebrating Mack's life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Funeral Home.

He will be laid to rest at Lakewood Memorial Park, 6000 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi.

Serving as pallbearers will be Aden Shelton, Lance Shelton, Maurice Tyler, Michael Graham, Chad Harrison, and Den Couturie.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Quaka, Eric Shelton, David Shelton, Todd Baker, Kevin Pilgrim.