Benjamin "Ben" Shelton

Benjamin Roy “Ben” Shelton, 72, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at the Phil and Flo Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR.
He was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas and moved to Jonesboro when he was two years old. Upon graduation from Jonesboro High School in 1959, he joined the Arkansas National Guard where he served six months of active duty followed by 7 years of monthly service.

He graduated from Arkansas State University in 1964. Following graduation he was employed by Riceland Foods for 35 years in their corporate office in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He held positions at Riceland of chief accountant, Secretary/Treasurer and was the Director of Management Information Systems when he retired in 1999. Upon retirement he returned to Jonesboro where he lived until his death.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Franklin Shelton, his father, Baxter (Jack) Franklin Shelton, Sr.,

He is survived by his mother, Tersia “Bill” Shelton of Jonesboro.

He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Alice Fair Shelton of the home, two sons, Tim Shelton (Kathy) of Heber Springs, Ken (Steffany) Shelton of Quitman, two daughters, Laura Shelton of the home and Julie (Michael) Allen of Newport, and daughter-in-law Paula McCauley Shelton of North Little Rock.

Two brothers, Baxter (Jack) Franklin Shelton, Jr. (Kathy) of Mesa, Arizona, Tom (Dianna) of Independence, Kentucky, and a sister, Judy Collins of Jonesboro and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

He also leaves grandsons, Kieran John Shelton of North Little Rock, Scott (Jeania) Byrd of Jonesboro, Blake (Lauren) Bisbee of Conway and granddaughters, Jessica and Meagan Allen of Newport, Tina (Josh) Grant of Heber Springs and great grandchildren, Dylan and Jordan of Heber Springs, Sterling, Skyler and Kaylee and Maddie all of Conway.

A celebration of Ben’s life and visitation will be held Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House or Walnut Street Baptist Church.