William Albert Shelton, known lovingly as Bill, Pop, Papaw, and Papa, passed away on May 15, 2026, at the age of 78, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on March 19, 1948, in Lambert, Mississippi, Bill lived a full and generous life that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A proud graduate of Lambert High School, Bill went on to build an extraordinary career spanning over 50 years in the telecommunications industry. He worked with BellSouth, AT&T, and Sprint, earning the respect of colleagues and coworkers throughout his long tenure. But Bill's talents extended far beyond the workplace. He could build and repair just about anything, and he had a gift for growing the most beautiful flowers you ever laid eyes on. If you needed a helping hand, Bill was there to provide it, no questions asked.

Bill and his beloved wife, Janie Holley Shelton, shared their lives and families together for over 46 wonderful years. Their partnership was the foundation of a family that brought Bill his proudest accomplishments, his children and grandchildren, who made him proud every single day.

When he wasn't working or tending to his gardens, Bill enjoyed collecting coins, insulators, and antique cars. He had a keen eye for finding items, improving them, and turning a profit, a reflection of his resourcefulness and tireless work ethic. After storms swept through the community, Bill was often one of the first to show up, helping neighbors make repairs and remove damaged trees so their homes would be livable once again.

People who knew Bill will never forget his amazing laugh and wonderful sense of humor. He was kind, honest, caring, and giving, a man with a big heart and a God-fearing spirit who lived his faith through service to others.

"My papaw was the most influential man in my life. He was always the first person to give help to someone in need. He had a generosity that was unheard of in today's world and overall, he was my best friend whom I loved with all my heart," states his grandson, Mason.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Albert McCarthy Shelton and Arlene Bjornson Shelton, his sister Doris Jean Shelton, his brother Robert McCarthy Shelton, and his son William Chadwick Shelton.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Janie Holley Shelton, his children Jason McCarthy Shelton, Julie K. Carter, and Chris S. Brunson, his grandchildren Cameron, Caleb, Mason, Cheyenne, Faith, Chandler, Joshua, Monique, Dinah, Abbey, and April, and his 4 beautiful great grandbabies with two on the way.

His surviving siblings are Roberta Atkinson (Jim), Joyce S. Perry (Larry), Ann S. Schulet (Art), Mary S. Nobile (Ricky), and James Harvey Shelton.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal." The memories Bill created in his 78 years have touched the lives of family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and they will last for generations to come. *Bill, we miss you, but we feel you here with us in our memories, our surroundings, and the lessons you taught us! *

In accordance with William's wishes, there will be no arrangements at this time.