Edward Smith Shelton, aka “Buddy Edward” to family members, age 88, passed away on June 8, 2026, after an extended illness at Franklin Woods Hospital in Johnson City, TN. He was born in Farmville, VA. He was a former resident of Spartanburg, SC, for around 50 years. He was currently residing at Governors Bend Assisted Living in Erwin, TN.

He was the eldest son of the late Hoy and Edith Shelton. Edward was predeceased by his wife, Violetta Ballenger Shelton; sisters, Charlotte Williams and Edna Brummett; brother, Hardy Shelton; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Algie and Betty Ballenger.

Survivors include sisters Dee Jones and Lena Onks (Niles); brother, Ronnie Shelton (Robin); sisters-in-law, Donna Gibbs and Carol Ballenger; and several nieces and nephews.

He and Violetta loved their “fur babies.” Over the span of their long marriage, they had loved and spoiled 22 of them. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for three years. Edward worked a long and satisfying career as a conductor for the Clinchfield and CSX Railroads until retirement.

His hobby was music. Edward loved all kinds of music, mainly gospel and hymns. He loved to sing solos, mainly in church, but anywhere or anytime he found a listening ear. He had an extraordinary memory for songs and knew the words to hundreds of them.

He had a giving spirit. He enjoyed creating playlists and burning CDs on his computer. He would give them away to unsuspecting friends, family members, children, and strangers. This was a ministry for him.

He also purchased watches and small flashlights to give away. He warmed many hearts through his generosity. He made donations to many charitable organizations, including the Humane Society, veterans’ groups, and children’s hospitals.

Edward was a born-again Christian and a member of Davis Memorial Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. After moving to Tennessee, he attended Unicoi Church of God. He was faithful in giving.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staffs of Governors Bend Assisted Living in Erwin, TN; Christian Care Center in Erwin, TN; and Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City, TN.

A special thanks to Pastor Eddie Blazer of the Unicoi Church of God for his visits, prayers, and encouragement during Edward’s sickness.

Services will be held on Friday, June 12, at Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 800 Archer Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 12:50 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Garold Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 800 Archer Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303, or to your local Humane Society.