Gretna.......... Claude Samuel "Sammy" Shelton was born July 21, 1938, in Gretna, VA, to the late Claude Swanson "Swannie" Shelton and Ruth Haley Shelton. A lifelong resident of Gretna, Sammy passed away at his residence on Watts Street on July 29, 2026. He was predeceased by his sisters, Margie Shelton, Patsy Shelton Cundiff, Dolly Shelton Clingempeel, Kittie Shelton; and one brother, Haley Shelton.

He attended Gretna High School, graduating with the Class of 1958. He continued his education at the Danville Technical Institute, studying electronics, and he served his country in the National Guard Reserves. When construction began on Smith Mountain Dam in 1962, Sammy worked for Appalachian Power. He later began his career with Virginia's ABC, managing stores in Hurt, Gretna, and Tightsqueeze. Following his retirement in 2003, Sammy spent many active years enjoying his favorite outdoor activities of fishing, hunting, and canoeing. He particularly enjoyed floating on both the Staunton and James Rivers. His lifetime spent in the outdoors of Central Virginia made him a treasury of information regarding local history and nature.

Sammy loved his hometown of Gretna and served the community in several capacities. He was a lifetime member of the Gretna Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the local chapter of the Jaycees. He was an active member of the Anderson Masonic Lodge, serving as Master and receiving his 50-year pin in 2023. In 1976 he was elected to the Gretna Town Council and served for 4 years, then becoming Mayor of the Town of Gretna in 1980, guiding the town until 1990. He was a member of Anderson Memorial Methodist Church.

Community friends were an important part of Sammy's life. He regularly met groups for coffee in the morning for decades. His father played in a local bluegrass band, and Sammy continued that legacy by playing music at home and listening to local musicians in homes around town.

Most of all, he loved his family. He and his wife, Gloria Martin Shelton, of 64 years enjoyed hosting family events at their home and working in their yard and garden. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Donna Oliver of Blacksburg, VA, and Lisa Haertel of Pamplin, VA, along with their spouses, James Oliver and Jeff Haertel. He has two grandchildren that he was extremely proud of, his granddaughter, Christiana Marjakangas who resides in Richmond, VA, with her spouse, Christian Boughner, and his grandson, David Oliver, a junior at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria, Donna, and Lisa would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at the Gretna Nursing Home as well as the compassionate caregivers with Heartland Hospice. Their support in caring for Sammy meant so much to them.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Anderson Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Miles Shields and followed by Masonic Rites conducted at the graveside in Gretna Burial Park by Anderson Lodge 258 A.F. and A.M. The family will receive visitors at the church an hour prior to the service Saturday and other times at the residence on 203 West Watts Street.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home in Gretna is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Anderson Memorial Methodist Church in Gretna. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.