Earl James Shelton

Earl James Shelton, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Asheville on September 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 9, 1944, in Burnsville.

Mr. Shelton built a life marked by steady work, devotion to family, and a spirit of adventure. He worked for Mission Hospital for 10 years and later worked with Asheville City Schools in the Maintenance Department until his retirement.

Earl was known for his love of the outdoors and for pursuits that reflected both courage and curiosity. An avid spelunker, he loved spending time in caves and rappelling. In his younger years, he was a certified rappeler and was certified in cave rescue. He also assisted in cave restoration and clean-up, and he was a longtime member of Flittermouse Grotto of the National Speleological Society. These interests brought purpose and excitement to his life and reflected his willingness to serve and help preserve places he valued.

Earl had a special love for all animals, but he especially enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels that visited his yard. The squirrels, in particular, quickly learned that Earl was their friend—and, more importantly, that he was a reliable source of treats! They would often be found waiting at his window, begging for a snack and making sure Earl knew they had arrived. It seemed they had him well trained, and Earl was always happy to oblige. These simple, joyful moments brought him great happiness and became a cherished part of his daily life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Wesley Shelton and Winnie Hensley Shelton; by his beloved wife, JoAnne Brown Shelton, who died on May 29, 2026, after 60 years of marriage; by his son, Thomas Wesley Shelton II; and by his sisters, Ruby Shelton, Marylee Shelton, Myrtle Sluder, Jessie Edwards, and Patricia Dennie.

He is survived by his daughters, Laura Ann Shelton Holland and her husband Anthony, and Jamie Lynn Shelton Ketterman. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Shelton and wife Dana, and Devon Shelton and wife Debbie; grandchildren, Jessie Holland and wife Ashelee, Tressa Pierce and husband Robbie, Victoria Davis and husband Colby, Jasmine Quinn and husband Alex, and Stephen Ketterman; great-grandchildren: Logan Holland, Spencer Holland, Miles Quinn, Maddox Quinn, and Riley Pierce. Their lives stand as part of the lasting legacy he leaves behind, and his memory will continue to be cherished through the family he loved so dearly.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a graveside service which will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Green Hills Cemetery, 25 New Leicester Highway, Asheville, North Carolina 28806. There will be a procession from Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home, 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806, leaving at 2:10 PM and all are invited to join in escorting Earl to his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help provide a grave marker for Earl and JoAnne Shelton, care of Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home, 1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806.

Earl James Shelton will be remembered with love for his dedication to his family, his years of faithful work, his church membership, and the adventurous enthusiasm with which he embraced life. His memory will remain close to all who knew and loved him.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve the Shelton family.