Met at Heaven’s gate by the open arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and reunited with the loved ones who had gone before him, John Wayne Shelton, 76, of Radford, peacefully entered his eternal home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
To those who knew him, John was many things—a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected businessman, trusted advisor, and faithful follower of Christ. But more than anything, he was the kind of man who made people feel safe. When life became difficult, people called John. When decisions had to be made, they sought his advice. When someone needed encouragement, reassurance, or simply a listening ear, they found their way to him. He listened without judgment, offered wisdom with humility, and had a remarkable gift for making people feel heard, valued, capable, and deeply loved.
Born May 8, 1950, John founded Shelton Accounting Service in 1980 with little more than determination, integrity, and a hand-painted sign in the front yard of his home. Through decades of honesty and hard work, he earned the trust of generations of families throughout the New River Valley. To many, he became far more than an accountant; he became a counselor, mentor, confidant and friend.
While he was proud of the business he built, his greatest joy was always his family. He shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Edna, intentionally created cherished family traditions, and delighted in being “Papa,” encouraging every child and grandchild to believe in themselves.
The business he built served generations. The people he built will influence generations. His greatest legacy was not the business he built, but the faith, character, confidence, and unconditional love he poured into the lives of those around him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Franklin Shelton and Dorothy Wooten Shelton, and his daughter, Rebecca Shelton Daniele.
He is survived by his wife, Edna Shelton; children, Derrick Bryant (Roga), Rose Shelton (Travis) and Sherri Kiser (Darren); grandchildren, Briana Shelton, Emily Thomas (Bryce), Roman Daniele, Gabriel Daniele, Claire Daniele, Dawson Daniele, Jack Daniele, Lane Colley and Corey Noe; brother, Frank Shelton (Sarah); sisters, Susan “Susie” Shelton, Marsha Massey, and Julia Cox; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and generations of grateful clients.
The family received friends Saturday, July 25, at Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services followed. Burial will follow at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Lambsburg, with a reception afterward.
The Shelton family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
