O'Neal Lee Shelton

O'Neal Lee Shelton
Born October 30, 1944 in Erwin, Tennessee. He passed away December 5, 2025 following a brief illness.
He is the son of Odie Shelton of Erwin, Tennessee. He was proud to say he was a direct descendant of Roderick Shelton who was one of the earliest settlers in Shelton Laurel.
O'Neal was very active in his community and loved to give back to the people who had an influence on his life. He never met a stranger wherever he went.
He served on numerous boards including:
Serving as President and Assistant District Governor for the Rotary Club of Madison County. He was President of Madison County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Madison County Tourism Development Authority. He served on the A-B Tech Foundation Board from Madison County and other committees and organization across the state of North Carolina.
O'Neal was educated in Madison County from first grade to attending Mars Hill College.
After graduation he qualified to become a North Carolina Highway Patrolman (State Trooper) and was stationed in Ashe County, N.C. He later transitioned to corporate work with Northwestern Bank, (now First Citizens). He eventually ended up in sales with KenPak Medical Packaging selling medical packaging to a wide field of customers from Virginia to Florida and west to Mississippi. Until the time of his death he was affiliated with Wolf Mountain Realty, Inc. in Mars Hill.
O'Neal loved music. He had great respect for the musicians in Madison County and the region. He treasured his time with the Turkey Branch Junction Band as they performed locally and across the region. Recording a CD of their music in Nashville was a big deal for the band and their fans.
He is survived by his life partner Zeta Smith, son Kevin Shelton and many cousins and friends.
Visitation and Funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Madison Funeral Home with a service to follow at 3:00. A private burial is scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite Madison County charity or donate to Rotary Club of Madison County at P.O. Box 141 Mars Hill, N.C. 28754.