SFC (Ret) Shelton Smith Jr.

Shelton Smith, Jr. was born in Charleston, South Carolina on November 29, 1932. He entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was awarded the Vietnams Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Overseas Bar (1), Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal (6th Award) for his service in Vietnam and Korea. While in the military, Shelton served as a Senior Drill Sergeant and according to his family “ran his home and life just like a service drill sergeant”. He prepared his family as they also joined the service, and he was very proud of their accomplishments. In his spare time, Shelton enjoyed watching sports on television and he liked to cook. His family said that he was a very good cook and enjoyed spending time with them after he cooked a delicious meal for them. Shelton passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in his home having attained the age of 92 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Shelton leaves to cherish his memory four children: Charlotte Smith-Spratley of St. Robert, MO, Shelton Smith III of San Antonio, TX, Pamela Smith-Brewer of Richmond, VA, and Saundra Walker of Killeen, TX; stepdaughter: Brenda Smith-King (Jeff) of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter: Johnette Hailes of Waynesville, MO, along with seven other grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Shelton was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and one stepdaughter: Valarie. Even though he is gone from our sight, Shelton’s commitment to his country and family will live on in our hearts forever. Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with military honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of SFC (Ret) Shelton Smith, Jr. and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

SFC (Ret) Shelton Smith Jr.

November 29, 1932 - February 11, 2025