Phillip Shelton

Phillip Ray Shelton, age 70, of Charleston, Tennessee, passed away on December 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 21, 1955, in Cleveland, Tennessee, Phillip was the son of the late Roy and Phyllis Moon Shelton.

For nearly five decades, Phillip was devoted to his wife, Cindy Shelton, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Together, they built a strong, joyful, and loving home. He was a proud father to Steven Shelton and Shelley Austin, and a beloved grandfather to Caleb Joshua Pierce, Callie Jo Pierce, and Abram Phillip Austin, each of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

Phillip is survived by his siblings Roy Shelton (Wilma) of Calhoun, Tennessee; Phyllis Shelton-Kellam of Duluth, Georgia; Jim David Shelton of Calhoun, Tennessee; Maxine Orr of Lawrenceville, Georgia; and Sue Keeter of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by siblings Victor Shelton, Myrom Shelton Bowman, Leona Shelton Barham, and Jane Shelton Green.

Phillip’s work ethic and servant’s heart were the cornerstone of his life. He worked at Olin Chemical and Bowater Newsprint, but his true calling was his service as a volunteer firefighter. For more than 40 years, Phillip served his community through the Charleston Volunteer Fire Department, Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department, and Bradley County Fire and Rescue. Whether responding to emergencies, training firefighters, or supporting families during their times of need, Phillip lived out what it means to give without expecting anything in return.

He will be remembered for his love for life, his willingness to help anyone in need, and the way his smile and humor could lift a room. Phillip found tremendous purpose in volunteering at the fire department, teaching others, and being the friend you could always count on. Phillip lived a life defined by service, love, and strength. His devotion to family, his community, and his fellow first responders leaves a legacy that will continue to hopefully inspire all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at Poole Funeral Home, located at 3000 Ralph Buckner Blvd NE, Cleveland, TN, on Friday, December 12, 2025, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Calhoun Cemetery, next to Calhoun First Baptist Church, where Phillip will be laid to rest. 

Pallbearers will be Steve Blankenship, Johnny Stokes, Ross Tarver, Dewey Woody, Robb Chase, Gary Davis, Coy Harbison, and James Thompson. Honorable Pallbearers are Dean Trew, Eddie Evans, Billy Nichols, Jack Bryan, Calvin Paul, Steve Rouse, Jonathan Porter, Dale Wilson, Joe Johnson, Charlie Allen, Claude Shell, Jamey Taylor, Joe Swafford, Donald Tankersley, and the members of the Bradley County Fire and Rescue.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Bradley County Fire Rescue, PO Box 1167 Cleveland, TN 37364, or Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson.org, in honor of Phillip’s courageous journey and his desire to help others even beyond his lifetime.