Gerald Everett Shelton

Gerald Everett Shelton went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Rita and Charles Burgess Shelton on December 2, 1943, in Weaverville, North Carolina.

Family was everything to Gerald. He was married to the love of his life Iva Shelton for fifty-seven years. Gerald’s greatest source of pride and joy were his children, Joy Doss and Ryan Shelton. He also treasured his role as “Pa” and “Grandpa” to five grandchildren, Gabriel Doss, Graham Doss, Dylan Shelton, Kase Shelton and Rylan Shelton, each of whom were great blessings to his life. Gerald also held a special place in his heart for his son-in-law Jason Doss (aka “Leroy”), niece Rita Riddle, and family friend Sheryl Fowler, who were very dear to him and whom he loved like his own. Gerald was preceded in death by his father Burgess and mother Rita, along with his sister Norma Cox.

Gerald was a machinist by trade, retiring from General Electric and then his own business Gerald’s Turbines. Gerald had a deep love for the mountains of North Carolina, especially on nights with a full moon, and loved his red Corvette. After retiring, he and Iva treasured the opportunity to travel around the world, creating precious memories together. Gerald loved the Lord and he cherished his time with his Sunday School friends at First Baptist Church of Marietta, where he found fellowship and lasting friendships. Gerald will be remembered for his huge heart, generosity, calming presence, his laugh, and the love he showed to his family throughout his life.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw, Georgia. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cobb Schools Foundation to support the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has persevered through extraordinarily difficult circumstances, reflecting the strength and determination Gerald demonstrated during his ten-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Though Alzheimer’s slowly took almost everything from Gerald, it never took the love he had for his family or the strength of spirit that defined his life, and his family rejoices knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.