Deacon Ezell Shelton, Jr. of 103 Burton Circle, Americus, Georgia died Saturday, October 14th at the Magnolia Manor of Marion County in Buena Vista, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 2:30 PM in the sanctuary of the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at Staley Memorial Garden in Americus, Georgia.

Ezell Shelton, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle was born on Tuesday, November 18, 1930 in Plains, Georgia to the parentage of the late Ezell Shelton, Sr. and Ethel Mae Solomon Shelton. Ezell, affectionately known as "Buck", was the first grandson of the late Alfred and Mary Thomas Shelton and Eugene and Henrietta Brown Solomon. Ezell attended school in Webster County. Ezell accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was a lifelong member of the Mt. Zion Webster Missionary Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a Deacon for many years before being appointed the Chairman of the Deacon's Ministry as well as President of the Choir for over 40 years. He was the Superintendent of Sunday School for the church and the Mt. Zion 1st Division Union of the Mt. Zion Weston Association.

Ezell was joined into holy matrimony to the late Pearlie Merritt, the love of his life for 65 years. He was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family.  He worked for several companies during his lifetime. In 1977, he was hired by Davidson Rubber Company and was one of the "First 100". He remained a loyal employee until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he returned to work with Middle Flint Behavioral Healthcare for 10 years.

For those who were blessed to know him, he was naturally comical and loved sharing HIS-Story, especially facts about his life and family. He was honored to be the 'Family Historian'. Ezell was well-known in his community as an avid gardener and fisherman. He also served as the biggest fan and unofficial manager of the Atlanta Braves.  But most of all, he loved singing gospel music.

In addition to his wife, parents, and grandparents, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Evelyn M. Shelton and Harriett Chilton; son-in-law, James M. Allen; brothers, Alfred Shelton, Sr. and Johnny Shelton, Sr. and a sister, Ethel P. Shelton Dukes.

Left to cherish and remember his LIFE, LOVE AND LEGACY, are his caring children: Daughters: Bettye Shelton (Americus GA), Peggy Shelton (Ellenwood GA), Bernice Allen (Decatur GA), Deloris (Ernest) Strozier (Rex GA), Lora Shelton (Hampton GA), Debra (George) Williams (Stockbridge GA); his sons: Michael Chilton (Flint, MI), Ezell M. (Carla) Shelton (St. Rose, LA) and Rodney (Trista) Shelton (Americus, GA); 19  grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren; his sisters and a brother, Verdell Walker, Ozzie Logan, James (Eileen) Shelton, Rosa Betts (all of Flint MI); Dessie Floyd (Americus, GA); sisters-in-law Frances Merritt (Plains, GA) and Mary Shelton (Flint, MI). A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends are also left to cherish memories of him.