Larry Edward Shelton

Larry Edward Shelton, a man who could make a fish laugh while he reeled it in, passed away on July 26, 2023, proving once and for all that laughter truly is the best medicine, except perhaps when dealing with a heart attack. Born on March 14th, 1955, in the scenic Mountain City, TN, Larry was a man who embraced life with a jovial spirit that was as infectious as it was endearing.

Larry's life was a comedy sketch, filled with laughter, love, and the occasional twist of fate. He had an uncanny knack for finding humor in the mundane, often turning a simple trip to the grocery store into a tale worthy of a sitcom. His life was a testament to the words of the great Bob Hope: "I've always been in the right place and time. Of course, I steered myself there."

Larry graduated from Johnson County High School, where he was voted 'Most Likely to Make the Teacher Forget What They Were Saying'—an honor he took great pride in. He was retired and disabled, but his sense of humor never took a day off. Larry’s interests were as varied as his jokes. He loved fishing, NASCAR, Elvis, going to the casino, and watching Tennessee football. But above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends, who were the punchline to every joke he told.

Larry was a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a cherished friend. He was preceded in death by his mother Lola Mae Pardue, father Paul Marion Shelton, brother Garry Shelton, nephew Jordan Jones, and special friend Susan Taylor. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter in his children Kattie (Michael “Binks”) Nelson, Levi Shelton (Kimberly Lane), Dwayne (Deana) Duffield, Jennifer Winters (Brian Garland), and his several grandchildren, including Bryson Duffield, Jacob Winters, Ezra Garland, Arianna & Adelai Garland. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Roman Lee Gray Duffield. His sisters, Sissie Jones, Sandy (David) Mains, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews will remember him fondly. Special friends Traci Hayes, Benny Hawkins, and Brian Hale will miss his unique blend of humor and companionship.

To describe Larry as funny, loving, and interesting would be an understatement. He was the kind of man who could find humor in a flat tire, love in a fish he just caught, and interest in a documentary about paint drying. As Larry would often say, echoing the words of the legendary Groucho Marx, "I intend to live forever or die trying."

So, let's raise a glass to Larry Edward Shelton, a man who brought laughter, joy, and a bit of mischief to all of our lives. He may have left the stage, but his jokes, his love, and his spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew him. In the words of the late, great Robin Williams, "No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." Larry, your jokes certainly changed ours. 

Snyder's Memorial is honored to serve the family of Mr. Larry Edward Shelton.