Shelton Smith Jr. was born on Monday, January 29, 1940, in Hinesville, Georgia, to Shelton Smith Sr. and Lucille Caldwell Smith. He graduated from Liberty County High School in Midway, Georgia, in 1960. He was drafted into the military in 1962. He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he served for 2 years and decided to not make the military a career.

After, Shelton decided to go into the trucking industry. He bought himself an 18-wheeler and learned to drive it. Shelton then started his own trucking business. He was an owner-operator for over 30 years. While on the road he heard the call, and developed a desire to spiritually touch other people's lives. So, he enrolled in Divinity school and became a minister. Now, Reverend Shelton, he began pastoring Hopewell Holliness Church in Passaic, New Jersey. Shelton was hardworking and a true giver from the heart. He was patient, kind, and selfless, to name a few of his qualities.

He entered into rest on December 25, 2024, at Magnolia Manor Nursing Home in Midway, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Priscilla Anderson, and two brothers, Jimmie Smith and Billie Winn. His parental in-laws Isaac and Martha Singletary, two brothers-in-law Simon and Jerry Singletary, two sisters-in-law Julia Ann Cooper and Martha Ann Gibbs, and by 3 of his step-children Dennis, Doris, and Benny Wright.

Left to reflect on his admirable qualities is his loving wife Dorothy Mae (Singletary) Smith of Greenville, SC, a step son Kenny (Rita) Wright, eight step grandchildren: Tyra, Rachael, Tiffany, Josh, Felicia, Kenny, Meme, and Nathan, and several great-grands. Two devoted sisters Jannie (Ronald D. Sr.) Smith of Hinesville, Ga., and Louise Baker of St. Petersburg, Fl., Two half-sisters, Indana Rennie and Lottie Hodges of Hinesville, Ga., A half-brother, Marshall Smith of Jesup, Ga. Five brothers in-law Clinton Singletary of Maryland; Jacob, Mack, Early, and Isaiah Singletary all of Charleston, SC., Seven sisters-in-law Mattie Winn of Walthourville, Ga., Minnie Smith of Farrell, Pa., Merlene Singletary-Crowe of Greenville, SC., Jancie Thurmond of Bowie, MD., Donna Rogers of Buffalo, NY., Geneva Turner of Richmond, VA., and Betty Dais Clifton, NJ., A special nephew, Torrance M. Smith of Tampa, Fl.  He also leaves a host of family and friends to honor and reflect on memories of him.

A special thanks to Dorchester Funeral Home for the professional way they care for us and our needs.

We also want to send our gratitude to the Magnolia Manor of Midway for the care they shown our brother form the time he entered the Manor to the time he entered into his rest.

A Celebration of Life will be held later.