of Conway, AR

August 23, 1934 - September 3, 2025

Upton Lee Shelton was born on August 23, 1934 in Erwin, Tennessee to Macon and Neva Shelton.

Upton went to work at General Motors in Flint, Michigan at the age of 18. He worked hard to provide for his family and took pride in his work. In 1983, after 30 years, he retired from GM and he and his wife, Joann, retired to Searcy, Arkansas. That didn't slow him down though. He built a house when they moved to Searcy and lived there for 40 years. He found a part-time job reading water meters, which he enjoyed since he could be outside. After that, he worked at Harding University in the security office. But the thing that Upton loved the most about retirement was playing golf with his buddies at River Oaks. When he wasn't at the course, he was most often working on the lawn, keeping up with his Purple Martin birdhouses, or tinkering around the shop. He loved to do woodworking and found joy in making tables, curio cabinets, Harding swings and much more for his family!

Upton loved his family. Sometimes his affection came in the form of a little pinch on the neck and a smile. In his later years, with the help of grandchildren, those sweet little pinches turned into hugs! He loved Joann and their four children. He doted over his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved it when the grands came for visits so he could show them around the garden or take them for a swing on the front porch swing that he built. All the grands and great-grands always knew they could rely on Papaw and Grandma to have some ice cream for them in the freezer when they came to visit! Upton loved his family.

Upton became a Christian in 1970 at the age of 36, thanks to the wonderful example of his wife, Joann. After his conversion, he made worship a priority. He served as a deacon at Bristol Road Church of Christ in Flint and Westside Church of Christ in Searcy. In his later days, when his memory began to fail him, he got up and got ready for church on most every day of the week. His mind was failing, but going to worship was still a priority. It is what was on his mind. We find great peace in the fact that Upton loved the Lord.

He left this life for his home in heaven on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Upton is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joann Morgan Shelton. He is survived by his four children, Clifford (Kristy) Shelton of Springdale, Alex (Gay) Shelton of Maumelle, Sandra (Steve) Norris of Conway and Teresa (Ray) Mack of Camby, Indiana. He was ''Papaw'' to his nine grandchildren, Lindsey (Keith) Harris, Leeann (Jordan) Howard, Tyler Shelton, Whitney Norris, Melissa (Byron) Kelley, Alexandra (Roscoe) Turner, Logan (Brittney) Mack, Connor (Brittney) Mack, Bradley Shelton and his eight great-grandchildren, Kade Harris, Zoe Harris, Jude Howard, Xander Kelley, Luke Howard, Watts Kelley, Quincy Kelley and Trace Turner.

He is also survived by a sister, Inez Bennett of Mayfield, KY and a brother, Keaton Shelton of Erwin, TN; as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, infant Arie Addison Shelton, Donald Shelton and Sonny Shelton.

To honor his memory, donations can be made to Southern Christian Children's Home, P.O. Box 649, Morrilton, AR 72110.

Visitation will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12th at Robinson & Center Church of Christ in Conway. A memorial service will follow at noon with Steve Norris and Keith Harris officiating.

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