of Benton, AR
April 19, 1940 - November 4, 2015
Joe C. Shelnutt, Jr., age 75, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015. He was born in Little Rock on April 19, 1940 to Joe C. Shelnutt, Sr. and Rheba Lee Pool.
Mr. Shelnutt graduated from Little Rock Central High School where he was a member of the band and stage band in 1958 and attended Little Rock Junior College.
He expertly played the saxophone for 65 years, delighting his family and friends with all genre of music.
He was the lead tenor sax in the Village Big Band and played professionally throughout the mid-south with ''The Pacers'' and ''Chuck Brooks and the Falcons,'' as well as worked as a studio musician.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Benton, he was a Deacon and played in the orchestra.
Joe was president of Electro-Power in North Little Rock before becoming a manufacturer's representative for Lesley and Associated of Memphis, TN.
He was preceded in death by his father, the Reverend Joe C. Shelnutt, Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria Boren Shelnutt, his mother, Rheba Pool Shelnutt, sister, Kaye Shelnutt Hudson and husband, James. He had three children, Melanie Shelnutt, Angela Shelnutt, and Joe C. (Chuck) Shelnutt and wife, Stacy and three grandchildren, Leah Ramirez Shelnutt and husband, Josue, Joe C. (JC) Shelnutt IV, and Polly Shelnutt, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was an avid reader and scholar. As a child he would go to bed reading a dictionary and read the complete set of Compton's Encyclopedia. He had an enormous depth of understanding in numerous subjects, including the Bible, and he continually shared his knowledge with all who cared to listen.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Benton Selph Hall with Dr. Rick Grant and Pastor Edd Spurlock officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Benton, 211 S. Market Street, Benton, AR 72015 or to the "Village Big Band" - Hot Springs Concert Band, P.O. Box 8667, Hot Springs, AR 71910-8667.
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12 Condolence(s)
Calvin Covington
Sunday, October 22, 2017
I just learned of Joe's passing today (10/22/17). His obituary read exactly has I remember Joe since leaving Arkansas 20 years ago. As a my boss at Brewer Electric, my employer at Electro Power, and as a rep to my business, Joe was always very fair, generous and fun to do business with. My sincere condolences to Gloria and the rest of the family. Joe was a good man.
gary mottwiler
Monday, November 9, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss and so sorry for your greif,my thoughts and prayers be with you and your family. godbless
sandy holland
Monday, November 9, 2015
I send love and prayers and may god bless each and everyone
Peggy & Ronnie Childress
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Gloria and children& Ms. Rheba & Kaye,
We are so sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful man. He was always so nice to everyone at church. I loved to hear him play , he was so talented. I will be praying for you all and ask God to wrap his comforting arms around you all. I love you all and if I can do anything please just call me.
Ronnie & Peggy Childress
Gail Bosson Baum
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Gloria, I'm so sorry for your loss. Tho I didn't know Joe, he sounds like a wonderful Godly man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying blessings and comfort for you and your family.. Gail
shelby buie
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Joe, what a man of God ! It is privilage to have known you & your precious Gloria, love you. You were a man of great faith an a true servant of our Lord. You were alwasys a awesome represetative of our Lord & Savior. Thanks for being you & lifting us up. I know you and Pod are together again playing in the heavenly band & singing His prasies. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.
Pray for you Gloria and the family, love, shelby
John Rollans
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Chuck,
Your dad made the world a kinder place. I am sorry for your loss.
sandy holland
Friday, November 6, 2015
I'm so so sorry for your loss,i wish you and your family love and prayers in your hour of need,goodbless
Kathy King
Friday, November 6, 2015
Gloria - we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers.
Olan and Kathy King
Steve/Annette Haynes
Friday, November 6, 2015
We are so sorry for you loss. We have been praying for you and the family ever since we heard. May the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding be in you for the times ahead. Joe was a good friend and we enjoyed working and worshiping with him in times past. He will be missed by many.
Nona Proctor Dumas
Friday, November 6, 2015
Gloria, My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Nona
Ramona and John Griffith
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Though we may not share bloodlines, the Shelnutt's are our family. We mourn with your loss and rejoice with Heaven's gain.