Bob J. Shelnutt

It is with deep respect that we remember Bobby J. Shelnutt, who was born on November 1, 1934 in the Arnco Mill community of Newnan, Georgia, and passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025 in Lexington, South Carolina, at the age of 90. Attended by his loving family, Bob leaves behind a legacy defined by joy, integrity, and devotion to those around him.
Bob graduated from Newnan High School in 1952 before joining the U.S. Navy. A proud veteran, he served aboard the USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14) from 1956 to 1960, primarily in the Western Pacific — with the ship centered in Okinawa, Japan and Taiwan. Upon retiring from the Navy, he moved to Decatur, GA and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University.
Bob was a devoted husband to his true love, Janice McDaniel Shelnutt, for 63 years. He was a cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, survived by his daughter, Cynthia Shelnutt Smith (Phillip) of Lexington, SC, his son, John McDaniel Shelnutt (Kimberly) of McKinney, TX, four grandchildren — who love their "Bob-o" — Catherine Paige Smith of Greenville, SC, Hunter Elizabeth Smith of Charleston, SC, Tyler Shelnutt Hansen (Adam) of Austin, TX, US Army First Lieutenant Griffin McDaniel Shelnutt (Cheyenne) of Fort Lee, VA, and three great-grandchildren, Blakely Kaye Shelnutt and Presley Ann Shelnutt of Fort Lee, VA and Hollis J. Hansen of Austin, TX.
He was the beloved son of Jewel and Jeroline (Stephens) Shelnutt of Newnan, GA and is survived by his brother, Henry Max Shelnutt (Betty) of Sharpsburg, GA and his brothers in law, Gary McDaniel (Elaine) of Newport News, VA, Ted McDaniel of Highlands, NC and Greg McDaniel of Jacksonville, FL and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.
With determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he built a distinguished career in the Georgia pest control industry, acquiring and managing more than 11 businesses in ten years. Before starting his own company, he worked at McKesson, Orkin/Rollins, and Terminix, even becoming the "Orkin Man" and appearing in a print ad for the company. His hard work and dedication led him to serve as president and founding member of the Association of Certified Pest Control Operators of Georgia and as a member of the Georgia Pest Control Association.
Even after retirement, Bob and Janice developed a successful rental property business. He always retained his can-do spirit, and continued striving to be "every day and in every way, better, and better, and better" as his sharp mind always sought improvement.
He and Janice loved traveling, and he was quick to share that he had visited all fifty states and all seven continents. They were lifelong, faithful members of their beloved church, Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church. And for over twenty years, they coordinated the reunions for his fellow seamen from the USS Kenneth Whiting (AV 14).
His greatest gifts to his family and friends were his steady kindness, his easygoing personality, his wit, and the love he offered to everyone around him. The tradition of his famous birthday calls with an a cappella "Happy Birthday" rendition are a cherished memory that will live on.
A celebration of life service will be held for Bob J. Shelnutt on January 31, 2026 at Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church in Tucker, GA. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by his service at 11:00 am. Donations and remembrances may be made to Lawrenceville Road United Methodist Church, 3142 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084.