The Lord called Lewis Robert Shelton, Sr. to glory on Monday, August 31, 2009 at his residence. He was a native of Kents Store, Virginia. Lewis was born March 15, 1912 to the late James Shelton, Sr. and Alice Irving. He was preceded in death by his first wife of fifty-six years, Alice Johnson Shelton and his second wife of twenty years Alberta Robinson Shelton; he was also preceded by six brothers; Charlie, Casi, Samuel, William, Arthur and Frank; two sisters, Dorothy and Pomelia; one son and one daughter; Gertrude Bishop.

Lewis joined the Galilee Baptist Church of Ferncliff at an early age; he was a faithful and dedicated member until his health failed him. Lewis served as a Sunday School superintendent and teacher for forty-three years and a deacon for fifty years whereby he was the chairperson for numerous years and a member of the Deacon's Conference of Goochland and Vicinity. He was a member of the Masonic Temple Lodge Number 322 and the Farm Service Agency for twenty years. Lewis was a self-employed carpenter until his health started to fail him. He built numerous homes, churches and other buildings throughout the state of Virginia. Lewis loved laughing and telling his "stories" to others, gardening, cooking, sewing and traveling. He received numerous awards and plaques in recognition of his many hours of service and dedication in the community.

Lewis leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter Mattie Kenan of Washington, D.C.; five sons, LeRoy and wife Virgie, Roger and wife Brenda and Paul and wife Lola all of Kents Store, Virginia; Lewis, Jr."Jun" and James and wife Deloris of Goochland, Virginia; one sister-in-law; one son-in-law, Paul Bishop of Louisa, Virginia; seventeen grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, September 4, 2009 from 7 to 8 pm at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Galilee Baptist Church, 3598 Three Notch Road Ferncliff, Virginia 23053. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.