Johnnie Wayne Shelton, 69, of Kearneysville, West Virginia passed away peacefully at home on January 1.

Johnnie was born on December 6, 1949 in Mansfield, Ohio to Arthur Clay Shelton and Emma Jean Williams.

He was a hardworking man who served as an Army paratrooper and worked as a tree-trimmer for most of his life. While living in Hagerstown, MD, he married his wife of 48 years, Pamela Jean Brown, in 1970. By 1978, he and his family had settled into their home in Kearneysville, WV.
Talented and highly skilled, he played several instruments including guitar, banjo and mandolin, created wood-carved birds, built his own airboat, raised and trained his own animals including: hunting dogs, driving ponies, roller pigeons, and diving pigeons. His hardworking mentality can be found in all three of his children, Johnnie, Jason and Jenny Shelton. His oldest son, Johnnie, also inherited his love of pigeons, animal training and living by his own standards. His son, Jason, shares his love of hunting, adventure and living by his own rules. He passed his love of music and animals to his daughter, Jenny.
As well as being a father and husband, Johnnie, was a “Pap”. His oldest grand-daughter, Haley Shelton, brought him so much pride. He never tired of cheering on his grandsons, Trent and Caleb Shelton, at their football games. His grand-daughter, Willa Shelton, kept him laughing and youngest grand-daughter, Madison Henry, was his sidekick for watching old westerns and monster shows.
Above all else, Johnnie loved the life he built with his wife, Pam. Together they lived for their children. They found a love in their grandchildren they never knew existed.
Johnnie’s influence was bigger than he even realized. He was full of grit and greatly loved and respected by his family and friends. To his children, he remains a hero and a pair of shoes we may never quite fill. To his wife, he remains her life partner until they meet again for eternity.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Jean Williams; his father, Arthur Clay Shelton; his brother, Tommie Shelton; and his sister, Jenny Lou Shelton. He is survived by eight siblings: Shirley Shelton of Green Castle, PA; David Shelton and wife, Debbie, of Gerrardstown, WV; Paul Shelton and wife, Penny, of Hedgesville, WV; Anita Shelton of Hedgesville, WV; Timothy Shelton and wife, Rhonda, of Hedgesville, WV; Phillip Shelton of Hedgesville, WV; Machalle Schleuss and husband, Patrick, of Hedgesville, WV; Carl Murphy and wife, Kristi, of Inwood, WV.

In keeping with Johnnie’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

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