Joseph Shelton

Waynesville, Joseph Ralph "Joe" Shelton, 71, passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Memorial Mission Hospital.

Joe was a native of Haywood County and son to the late, Louise Jaynes Shelton.  In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a son, Scott Shelton and brother, Don Shelton.  Joe proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam era.  Joe drove for WNC Paving for the past 20 years.  It was a job he absolutely loved.  Much of Joe’s life revolved around his passion for vehicles, whether it was maintaining them, rebuilding engines, or showing his impeccably kept 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, Joe was a car enthusiast.  Joe also looked forward to traveling to his deer camp in Georgia.  He rarely missed an opportunity to head south with his sons in the fall time of the year.  On Sundays, Joe was front and center watching NASCAR.  His all-time favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt.  In addition to all his past times and hobbies, Joe cherished his four beautiful granddaughters and family.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Betsy Whitner Shelton of Waynesville; two sons, Jonathan Shelton and his wife, Somer and Joseph Shelton and his wife, Lindsey, all of Waynesville; one sister, Rosemary Shelton of Asheville; four granddaughters, Lilly, Alli Jo, Raylee, and Emery Shelton; niece, Kisha Bolin, and his two German Shepherds, Nitro and Bella.

A memorial service for Joe will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville with Pastor Phillip Wyatt officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

The care of Mr. Shelton has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.