David "Red" Shelton

Died: Dec. 22, 2012

William David "Red" Shelton, 94, lifelong resident of Greeneville, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday at Signature HealthCARE of Greeneville

David was a longtime member of Horse Creek Church of God and a World War II veteran.

He was a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who turned his talent to the service of God.

At one time, he had a short radio show on WGRV, where he sang his songs and testified to what the Lord had done for him. He and some friends once won a radio talent show in Bristol, Va., billing themselves as "The Shelton Laurel Hillbillies."

David, as he was known to his family, is survived by three sons: John Shelton and James Earl Shelton, both of Greeneville, and Paul Simms of Garner, N.C.; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Vera Lee Dixon, Nella Mae Davis, and Evelyn Murdock, all of Greeneville; and two brothers: the Rev. Melvin Shelton and Walter Shelton, both of Greeneville.

He was the son of the late Rev. Melvin and Sudie Shelton and was preceded in death by a daughter: JoAnne Lawson; five sons: Jerry, David E., Donald, Melvin, and Teddy Shelton; and one sister: Lovada Chandley.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with interment in GreeneLawn Memory Gardens. The Rev. Bobby Morrison will officiate.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the Shelton family at http://www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.