Sammy Joe Shelton passed away in March 2020 after a brief illness. He was born on November 23, 1937 in McLean County, Kentucky. Sam was the fifth child of Anna and Guy Shelton. In his junior and senior years of high school, he was class president while also earning four varsity letters. His athletic prowess earned him a football scholarship at SMU where he had the pleasure of playing with the likes of Don Meredith while forming lifelong friendships with many of his not-as-famous teammates. After graduation, Sam joined the Kentucky National Guard and his unit was activated by President Kennedy. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he started his career with Aetna Life & Casualty. There he met his wife to be, Betty; they married in 1964 and were together until her passing in 2012. Aetna took the family to many states. He was happiest as husband, Dad and Grandaddy. Sam joined Betty in a small service at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen. Memorials may be made to the Richardson Animal Shelter or his hospice provider, Dignity Team Health.
He is survived by his sister, Jane Clayman; son, Anthony (Kelly); granddaughter, Samantha; many nieces and nephews and his special friend, Jo Ann Price.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents; brother, John and his sisters, Roxie and Emily.