Joshua Roy Shelton
December 1, 1989 ~ December 16, 2025
Born in:
Lenoir, NC
Resided in:
Alexander, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailJoshua Roy Shelton
December 1, 1989 – December 16, 2025
Joshua Roy Shelton, 36, of Alexander, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on December 16, 2025. Joshua was born on December 1, 1989 in Lenoir, North Carolina, Caldwell County.
Joshua was the son of Frederick and Janine Shelton. Joshua was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roy and Georgia Shelton; his maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Anne Blunt; his aunt, LeDema Griffith; and his uncles, Lloyd Blunt Jr. and Michael Blunt.
Joshua was known to his family- especially to his niece and nephew- as “Joshie.” Though it was a nickname he wasn’t particularly fond of, he wore it like a badge of honor, a quiet reflection of the love he had for his family.
Josh was a hardworking, blue-collar man who took pride in working with his hands. He had a deep love for the outdoors and cherished time spent on his grandpa’s land in Tennessee. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, finding peace and joy in nature. He also had a passion for dirt bike riding and was an avid video gamer, often spending late nights gaming with his brother, Ryan- memories that will be forever treasured.
In addition to his loving parents, Joshua is survived by his sister, Elaine Hensley (Jimmie) along with their children Sarah and Lukas of Leicester, North Carolina; and brother, Ryan Shelton (Erica) of Alexander, North Carolina.
Joshua is also survived by his aunts Sandra Helton (James) of Oakdale, Tennessee; Tabitha Hamby (Dennis) of Wartburg, Tennessee; and Andrea Merida of Barbourville, Kentucky. Joshua was also deeply loved by a host of cousins.
Joshua will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of family, and the quiet loyalty he showed to those closest to him. He leaves behind a legacy of shared memories, laughter, and love that will never be forgotten.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Shelton, Jimmie Hensley, Kinley Hamby, Kyle Ruppe, Elijah Ruppe, Eric Goldston, Lyndell Goldston, and Chad Ellege.
The visitation and funeral service will be held at Schubert Funeral Home, 1318 Knoxville Hwy, Wartburg, TN 37887. His family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, at the funeral home, followed by the funeral service, officiated by Rev. Dr. Keith Hutchinson, at 2:00 p.m. The burial will then take place at Camp Austin Cemetery, 1976 Camp Austin Rd, Oakdale, TN 37829.
Elaine and Family.
We were saddened to hear about the passing of your brother. Our prayer is that the Lord hold all of you close as He walks with you through this tough season of Life. May the days ahead be filled with the pleasant memories of Josh’s life. Bless ‘em Lord!
I did not know Josh personally, my husband did. They were colleagues, but more importantly, they were friends. I have heard many things about Josh – I’m not exaggerating when I say every single one of them was good. I heard about how he never hesitated to lend a hand, even after a long day. I heard about how great of a home cook he was, and about how he was there to help his community during Hurricane Helene. I heard that even when he was a little grumpy, he was still one of the nicest people you could meet. I didn’t know Josh, but I can certainly say I knew his measure because of the way my husband spoke about him. I hope I can offer the smallest amount of peace by telling you that he was held in the highest regard by my husband, and in turn, me. I offer my most sincere condolences to all of you.