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BORN
1932
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
3050 West Hundred Road
Chester, Virginia
William Shelton Obituary
July 24, 1932 - July 14, 2024
The Honorable William R. Shelton, 91, of Chester, VA, died July 14, 2024. Born and raised in Pennington Gap, VA, he was the son of the late Carl and Margaret Shelton.
Judge Shelton graduated from Emory and Henry University in 1954, and attended T.C. Williams Law School, class of 1957. After law school, he served in the Army for two years. Upon his discharge, he served in the Commonwealth Attorney's Office in Chesterfield County and was Clerk of the Circuit Court in 1962. Judge Shelton practiced law at the firms of Jewett and Gates and then Williams, Mullen and Christian. He was appointed judge to the Chesterfield General District Court in 1966, and was appointed Circuit Judge to the 12th Judicial District in 1986, where he served until his retirement in 2003. He continued to serve as a substitute judge and officiated settlement conferences until the age of 90.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Linda Merle Shelton; his two brothers, R.C. Shelton and Charles Shelton; and his two sisters, Theda Mae McConnell and Ruth S. Akridge.
Judge Shelton is survived by his children, William Rhea Shelton (Angel), Peyton Ward Shelton (Stephanie), and Martha Merle Shelton (Scott Saunders); grandchildren, Taylor Lariviere (Yannic), Trey Shelton, and Mackenzie Nicol (Grayson); and great-grandchildren, Ada Merle Lariviere and Wesley Nicol. Judge Shelton is also survived by his companion of 20 years, Carolyn Leake; and nephew, Buzz Akridge.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Chester United Methodist Church. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chester United Methodist Church, 12132 Percival St., Chester, VA 23831.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family at jtmorriss.com.
J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home
3050 W Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831
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Memories and Condolences
for William Shelton
Sponsored by J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Chester Chapel.
4 Entries
Sharon O'Brien
July 12, 2025
I was Judge Shelton's criminal in-court clerk in the early 90's. On his first capital case, his "A Team" bought one of sketches from the TV station and had it framed for him. We all signed it from "A Team". That was Kenny Andrews and William Winfield (his deputies), Sandra Thompson (his secretary) and I. He was wonderful to work for.
Velma Shell
July 22, 2024
I am the Judicial Assistant at Wise Co. Circuit Court Judges office. I am saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Shelton. We always looked forward to seeing him when he substituted in the summers. He was always so pleasant and easy to work with. Velma Shell
Stan Balderson
July 18, 2024
A very fine gentleman. I always enjoyed my dealings with Bill.
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J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Chester Chapel3050 West Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831
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J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Chester Chapel3050 West Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831
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