Col. Roy Hiett Shelton, Jr. Ret

Col. Roy H. Shelton, Jr. Ret, 79, of Simpsonville, husband of Frances Thornton Shelton, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

Born in New York City, Roy was the son of the late Roy Hiett & Vivian Childs Shelton. Mr. Shelton was a member of Simpsonville United Methodist Church. He and Mrs. Shelton loved serving others as the proprietors of The Garden House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Simpsonville.   

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four sons, Roy Hiett Shelton III, Frank Shelton, Raymond Shelton, and Andrew Shelton; six grandchildren and a sister, Faythe Merkert. He was preceded in death by a sister, Hope Rizzo.

Col. Shelton retired from the Marine Corps in 1993 after 30 years of active service in the Corps. His decorations include: the Defense Superior Service Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit (w/1 star), Bronze Star Medal (w V), Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (w/combat V), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal (w/star), Vietnam Service Medal (w/7 stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (w/5 stars), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Bronze, Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st class, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color w/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Joint Chief of Staff Badge, Navy Parachutist Insignia, Certificate of Commendation, Certificate of Achievement, Letter of Appreciation, Letter of Achievement, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Pistol Expert Badge (7th awd), Airborne Scol (OCG) 3 wks 8808, Armed Forces Staff College (R2R) 22 wks 9000.

During his retirement he had numerous adventures including hiking The Appalachian Trail, numerous motorcycle rides, and playing chess with his youngest son. “He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and the many stories he could tell.”

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Simpsonville UMC “in the field beside the church near the picnic shelter.” Rev. Mike Smith will officiate and full military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Marine Corps.

The family will receive friends following the service.   

Condolences to the family of Col. Roy Hiett Shelton, Jr. Ret

  • Col Burton C Quist
    3 years ago

    Cathy and I want to offer our most sincere condolences. He was a great Marine, and we will keep him and the family in our prayers.
    Semper Fidelis,
    Col. Burton C. Quist
    U.S. Marine Corps (ret)

  • So sorry to hear of the Colonel’s passing. He was a good friend, fellow Marine and biker. He will be dearly missed. Patti and I send our sincere condolences to Frances and family. Sorry for your loss.

  • Rosa cherry
    3 years ago

    We will miss Roy terribly. He was a good brother in law to us and a devoted Uncle Roy to our children and their children! May he Rest In Peace.
    Love, blessings and prayers to his dear family.

  • Wayne &Sandra Reece
    3 years ago

    For the Family of Colonel Roy, Wayne & I had the honor to be among many others to be involved with special events that we stood beside him. With American Legion Riders to PGR. Colonel Shelton, YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
    Semper Fi

  • Words can not express how I feel for “The Colonel” Roy & Ms Frances whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for decades since we lived in Beaufort, SC.
    His wonderful smile, jokes & stories are among some of my favorite memories. Earth is not the same without him.
    My heart, blessings & prayers are with Ms Frances & Sons and always will be 🙏.
    “The Colonel” will remain in my heart forever. 🙏🕊❤ ‘Til we meet again…

    • Pam Heustess McLauchlin
      3 years ago

      So many fond memories of Roy. My heart is broken for each family member. He certainly deserves a thank you for devotion to country. You have all been in my thoughts and will continue to be.

  • Larry Kester SgtMaj USMC Ret
    3 years ago

    Prayers for the Col’s family.

  • Thank you for your friendship! Thank you for your service to our great country. I’m deeply saddened to hear this news 🥲 my prayers for the family and especially my friend Frances
    God speed
    Lisa Portele

  • Roy Shelton
    3 years ago

    Thank You all for your blessings: I am both Humbled and Proud. Cpi Roy H. Shelton, III (USMC VET).

  • Tara Boyle
    3 years ago

    I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Colonel Shelton. I had the pleasure of meeting him and Francis in Beaufort, SC. A truly gracious couple. The Colonel’s humor and energy was amazing. My heart goes out to Roy and Kelly and William and the entire family.

  • JOHN URICH
    3 years ago

    Francis I met you at Thiel for Roy’s 50th College Reunion. It was obvious that you were the love of his life. I knew Roy for 62 years when we met as freshman wearing our dinks walking up Brother Martin’s Walk being put upon by upper classmen. Roy stood out! First as an honors student, as a wrestler, a fraternity brother and a ROTC grad.
    All done while working his way thorough school as a school employee. In fact he was one of few that passed the first college Comprehensive Business Degree Exam. Roy was a caring, helpful sole who demonstrated this trait as he went on to distinguish himself as a proud Marine and later as an inn keeper extraordinaire, Roy rarely complained about personal matters, just a few liberal democrats running for office. I had hoped to pass notes back and forth till we turned 100 commenting on the events of the day. But this will have to wait for a while. When I turned 80 I came to realize how few real friends one has in life and the shock that occurs with their absence. Francis, I am very sorry for you and the family’s loss and wish you all the best.

  • Tom 'Doc' Hammond
    3 years ago

    Prays up for the family – SALUTE!!! RIP!!! Roy was a good man!

  • Izzy Jakob
    3 years ago

    I went to Central High School in Valley Stream. We called him Bunkey. He was a great guy and everyone loved him. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family. Izzy Mirante Jakob

  • Randy Stevens
    3 years ago

    Speaking on behalf of the South Carolina Patriot Guard Riders………….we are diminished by the loss of the Colonel. He has been a huge part of our organization for many, many years.

    Ms. Frances…………..may the Great God bless and comfort you and your sons.

    • John Joan Muller
      3 years ago

      God bless and be with you
      Always and may the good
      Lord watch over you always.

  • Joseph(skip) Adamo
    3 years ago

    Francis and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Roy was a good man. We spent hours together mostly through the wrestling program during our high school days and were reacquainted after many years when invited to spend a weekend at the beautiful bed and breakfast. We just learned of Roy’s many awards and accomplishments. Adding to that list he was a person of honor, and integrity. He will be missed.

  • Joseph Giarracco
    3 years ago

    I am so sorry to read that Roy (Bunky) passed away. I knew Bunky from fifth grade at Shaw Avenue Elementary School until graduation from Valley Stream Central High School. He was a great guy, funny, personable, and made friends easily. He will always be admired for his exemplary military service and honors. He will be missed by all who knew him. He and his family are in our prayers. May he rest in peace.

  • Richard Tenser
    3 years ago

    At our 50th high school reunion I reminded Roy (Bunky) of the time when he trounced me in wrestling, in the 7th or 8th grade. I told him it was my first realization of how competence (his) could overcome enthusiasm (mine). We joked of how he scarred me for life.

  • Andrew Dauchy
    3 years ago

    I am saddened to hear about the loss of a great Marine, patriot, and man. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.

  • Nancy Long Hunter Riney
    3 years ago

    I am SO sad to hear this. I lived down the street from Roy, Bunky back then, and we went to elementary school together. I enjoyed sharing motorcycle adventures with him on Facebook. He will be missed. 😢

  • Jeff Kassover
    3 years ago

    I remember Bunky well from Central. I especially remember
    his great sense of humor – which I thought was odd for a wrestler.
    The Corps has lost one tough Marine, for sure.

  • Larry Guy
    3 years ago

    l am very sad to hear of the Colonel’s passing. I had many enjoyable conversations with Roy at the Sons of Confederate Veterans meeting. He will be missed.

  • Anita Rogers
    3 years ago

    Prayers and love to you, Frances, and the whole family. We enjoyed our times together and miss them so much. Roy was one of the great ones; he will be missed. It was a joy and honor to know him.
    Tom and Anita

  • Jon Gibson
    3 years ago

    Roy and I served together at Camp Pendleton, Okinawa and RVN. Although we did not communicate much after Vietnam, he was one of the Marines one never forgets. I am proud to have served with him. He had a distinguished career.
    Jon Gibson Lt.Col. USMC (ret)

  • DOLORES AREND
    3 years ago

    I am sadden of the loss of Roy aka Bunky. We were high school classmates, He was loved by everyone who knew him. It is an honor to call him my friend. Condolences to his beloved family

    • Josette McDonnell
      3 years ago

      So so sad😔 I so enjoyed seeing his photos and comments and travel on Facebook. God be with you Roy and I know your are resting in peace🙏🏻

  • Mike and Elaine Maloney
    3 years ago

    Elaine and I are saddened to hear of Roy’s passing. Hard to believe it was 45 years ago when we met Frances and Roy at the first of many social gatherings with the Murphys, Byrons, and more. His presence brought fun and laughter to most every occasion.
    Rest in peace good Marine and friend. Our heartfelt condolences to Frances, their sons, and their families. Semper Fidelis

  • Lisa Wilson, United Community Bank
    3 years ago

    I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Roy Shelton. My heart is broken for you and you have my sympathy. His love of Frances, his family, his community and his country were always evident during any of our conversations. He will be greatly missed by so many of us.

  • Jim Lee
    3 years ago

    RIP, Col. Shelton. What an honor and a privilege to have gotten to know you over the years. Your and Frances’ support during my run for office, your valuable counsel and advise throughout the years, and attending various events at the Garden House are memories time will not erase. To the Shelton family, and Frances, in particular, Laurie and I pray that the peace that surpasses all understanding would comfort you at this time.

  • Ricky Velez
    3 years ago

    My Condolences to the Shelton family. Because of life and work, it seems like my head was stuck in the dirt somewhere. Just finding out about Roy’s passing and I am sitting here wishing I was able to be there with the rest of my riding family the PGR to say goodby. It was an Immense privilege and honor to share rubber to road and ride by Roy’s side. God Bless Marine. Simper Fi.

  • Jeff Williams
    3 years ago

    My prayers to the Shelton family.
    May he Rest In Peace
    Jeff Williams
    COL, USA (Ret)

    • Byron Family
      3 years ago

      Dear Frances, All the wonderful memories of our families growing up together, Roy and Mike working as Marines throughout their careers, will always bring us joy.
      Rest In Peace dear friend,
      Mike and Kathy Byron

  • thomas shinick
    3 years ago

    My sincerest condolences, Frances. Roy (Bunky) was a good friend for many years.

  • Ronald J. Cruz
    3 years ago

    Colonel Ronald J. Cruz, USMC (Ret.)

    Dear Shelton Family,
    My wife Louise and I were saddened to learn of Roy’s passing. We offer our sincerest condolences and assure you of our prayers for both Roy and the Shelton family. Roy was a friend, colleague, mentor and superb Marine. He will be missed. We hope the many memories of a life well spent will help to soften the loss you are experiencing. May he rest in peace.

  • Darren Boyd
    3 years ago

    LtCol and Mrs Darren S. Boyd, USMC (Ret)

    Francis and the rest of the Shelton family, our hearts break for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. We have been devastated since learning the news and continue to pray for you all. The Colonel was a huge figure and impacted so many of us.

    Semper Fi, sir, we have the watch.

  • Hendrik-Jan Slothouwer
    3 years ago

    Dear Sheltons,
    News about Roy came sudden and unexpected. But my memories wil remain! Our time in Senegal is very dear to me and remember so wel being welcome at your home and looking up to Roy. I wil never forget. Lots of love to all. Hendrik

  • Karen Metz
    3 years ago

    Sincere sympathy to all of you!

  • Hard to put into words how you feel about a true hero. I guess there is nothing as sad as watching your heroes die. A great man who did a lot of great things and lived a great life. As a fellow paratrooper I know that our patron Saint, Saint Michael will watch o er you like you watched over our grateful nation. Rest easy Uncle Roy. I will miss you forever.

  • It is such hard time to go through losing your hero..I hope you pull through this and cherish his priceless memories. May he rest in peace.

  • Heather Toll Peterkin
    3 years ago

    Dear Shelton family,
    I have such fond memories of Friday nights at your home as a teenager and will always hold near to my heart how welcome Colonel and Mrs. Shelton made me feel. I am sorry for your loss but it is certain he touched a lot of lives and made a difference in this world with his service to our country. Praying for all of you.

  • Deepest Condolences to the Shelton Family

    Keith A Davis
    SgtMaj USMC Ret

  • Tom Farrell
    3 years ago

    Enjoyed following him on Facebook. May the angels lead him into paradise.

  • Michael Sobotkin
    3 years ago

    Dear Francis and family, I am so sad that Bunky had to leave us all… he will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that he and I had a lot of fun – on Facebook- remembering school in Valley Stream and the militaries ( I was in the US Army). Most importantly , we both enjoyed talking about our families.
    I wish you and your family well..
    I know that Roy will always be with his family and his friends.

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