Earl Scott Shelton, Jr. was born on October 6, 1953 in Ashland, VA, to the late Earl Scott Shelton, Sr. and Anna Winston Shelton.  He departed this earthly life for eternal rest and peace on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age, Earl accepted Christ and joined Shiloh Baptist Church.  He began his education at John M. Gandy School and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1972.  Soon after graduation, Earl joined the United States Navy and over his 23 years in the service, he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During numerous tours of duty, he had the opportunity to travel the world.  He visited many foreign countries during his tenure of service. He was stationed in San Diego, California, Norfolk, VA and on his ship the John F. Kennedy (067).  He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf and Operation Desert Storm wars.  Earl retired from the United States Navy and remained in the Norfolk and Virginia area until he moved back to his hometown of Ashland, VA in 2010.

Upon returning to Ashland, Earl became a dedicated member of his home church, Shiloh Baptist where he served as a member of the Usher Board until he began to have physical challenges.  Earl was fondly known by his childhood friends as 'Sleepy'.  He had a quiet demeanor and an under stated sense of humor.

Earl now joins in glory his father, Earl Scott Shelton, Sr. and brother, Marlon Shelton.  Left to cherish his memories are his wife Valerie Regina Shelton of Fayetteville, NC; five children LaShawn Cox of Fayetteville, NC, Tracy Shelton of Fayetteville, NC, Earl Scott Shelton, III of Virginia Beach, VA, Melody Williams of Newport News, VA, and Roslyn Hazer of Portsmouth, VA; a loving mother, Anna "Mac" of Ashland, VA ; four sisters Juanita Winston of Glen Allen, VA, Caron Winston of Richmond, VA, Christy Bryant of Charlotte, NC, Lori Adeoba of McDonough, GA; adopted sister Marylinn Minor of Doswell, VA; two brothers Gregory Shelton of Bronx, NY and Danny Florence of Fort Lauderdale, FL; one aunt Doris Anthony;  ten (10) grandchildren, a lifelong friend, Tony Jackson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

God knew that he was suffering and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed his weary eyelids and whispered,

"Peace Be Thine".