Allen Shelton, 1936-2009
We are deeply saddened to note that Allen Shelton passed away, November 21. After having been released from the hospital a week ago (11/13), he was readmitted on Thursday, slipped into unconsciousness on Friday and died on Saturday afternoon.
Allen had been initially hospitalized in October, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He had remained in the hospital in Nashville until his recent release.
Fred Robbins sent along this report from Allen’s daughter-in-law…
“He had to be readmitted to the hospital Thursday because his platelets were low. He was fine Friday evening, but at some point he went to sleep and they could not get him to wake up. They ran tests and believe he had a heart attack and a stroke. He never woke up again, but thankfully he went peacefully surrounded by his family.”
We hope to have details on funeral arrangements on Monday, along with where cards of sympathy and remembrances of Allen can be sent.
Allen Shelton was an exceptional banjo player, and his contributions to our music will be long and well remembered. He was also a generous, kind and sweet man, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.
UPDATE 11/23 – A brief obituary as well as funeral and visitation information can be found on the web site of Woodard Funeral Home.
Peter Cooper of The Tennessean has a much longer piece available online.
Cards can be sent in care of Allen’s son:
100 Alexander Lane
Bethpage, TN 37022
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This is so sad to learn about Allen’s passing. Thank you blog for keeping us aware. Prayers and sympathies for the family.
Gracie
I’ve know Mr. Shelton and his family most of my life. I’ve know him to be a wonderful family man and Christian. He was also a tremendous talent and great influence to banjo pickers and musicians all over the world. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences and prayers to the family.
I’m listed the obituary below:
Raymond Allen Shelton, age 73, of Bethpage, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2009, at Centennial Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Johnston Shelton of Bethpage; son, Todd (Nancy) Shelton of Bethpage; daughters, Drew (Lee) Porter of Franklin, Tenn., Timberley (Richard) Denning and Robin (Larry) Summers of Westmoreland; 11 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Troy Joseph and Margaret Matthews Poole; sister, Hazel Williamson. Visitation is 11 a.m., until 8 p.m., Monday, November 23, 2009, and 10 a.m., until service time Tuesday. Funeral service is 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from The Chapel of Woodard Funeral Home with Bro. Wert Campbell officiating. Interment is at Sumner Memorial Gardens in Gallatin.
[...] already reported, banjo stylist Allen Shelton passed away on 21 November while in the Centennial Medical Center, [...]
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