Laurence Shelton

Laurence “Larry” Compton Shelton, age 58, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022 at SOVAH Health-Danville. Mr. Shelton was born on May 22, 1963 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the son of Mary Gravely and James Compton Shelton. He graduated from George Washington High School (1981) and earned an associate's degree in Graphic Arts from Danville Community College (1984). On May 4, 1985 he married Jeanne Gambrell. Larry enjoyed hikes with his family on the weekends and teaching his kids how to body-surf during summer vacations to the North Carolina coast. He loved riding his motorcycle and participating in charity bike rides with friends. Though self-taught, Larry was never afraid to pluck along on the mandolin whenever family and friends gathered in song. He enjoyed all kinds of music, but especially rock n’ roll. His sense of humor was unmatched as was his caring nature. Strangers who met him called him a southern gentleman. He was a loving father and good friend. Larry was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus in the Bishop Hafey Council 4507. Larry was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Myrtle Compton and Jack Shelton, Sr. and maternal grandparents Evelyn Lacey and Laurin N. Gravely. He is survived by his parents, Mary Gravely and James Compton Shelton, a sister Mary Webb (Alan), former wife Jeanne and their son Dylan, daughters Megan (Brian) and Rachel, granddaughter Avila Ann, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 7, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Danville, VA. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 12 pm followed by a visitation. The Funeral Mass will be held at 1 pm. The Reverend Anthony Senyah will be the celebrant. Gravesite prayers will follow at Highlands Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Path of Hope, PO Box 1824, Lexington, NC 27293.