Jesse Wade Shelton

SHELTON, Jesse Wade, went to his Heavenly Home on May 16, 2010. Jesse was born April 20, 1918, in Gretna, Va., and raised in Amherst, Va. He served in the United States Army during WWII as a tank commander with the 1st Armored Division and was with General George Patton in the African campaign. During his service, he was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Good Conduct and American Defense Service medals. Jesse was a building contractor in Richmond, Va., for many years and was an excellent provider for his family. He and his wife were founding members of Skipwith United Methodist Church. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth M. Shelton; his father and mother, Chesley W. Shelton and Annie P. Shelton; two sisters, Melva Schaar and Mary Shelton; and a brother, Otey H. Shelton. Jesse is survived by a daughter, Cheryl K. Shelton; a son, Steven W. Shelton; five grandchildren, Christopher J. Cullom, Monica J. Johnson, S. Kent Shelton, Daniel A. Shelton and Nathan P. Shelton; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Ernest R. Shelton and Garry J. Shelton; two sisters, Eva M. Thacker and Rachael S. Campbell; and his "Sister," Ethel S. Campbell.

A celebration of his life will be held at 12 noon Saturday, May 22, at Skipwith United Methodist Church, 2211 Skipwith Road, Richmond, Va. Reverends William A. James, Garry J. Shelton and Wilbert Jackson Jr. will officiate.

Visitation will be at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, Va., on Friday, May 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Skipwith United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com