Sonny Shelton
Mr. J.W. “Sonny” Shelton, 91, of Union City passed away 4:28 a.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Funeral services will be conducted noon Thursday at Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home. Brother Paul Adams and Brother Jack Henry will officiate. Burial will follow in Obion County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Thursday.
Pallbearers will be Charlie Hill, Steve Lee, Ty Roney, Josh Roney, Bret Shelton and Tommy Council.
Sonny was born Aug. 26, 1934, in Ridgely, son of the late Ray and Alcie (Carter) Shelton. He first was married to the late Sylvia (Faught) Shelton. He then married Nancy (Insco) Shelton Sept. 6, 1966. She survives. He was a teacher and football coach for the former Dixie Schools for many years before moving to Obion County Central High School as an assistant football coach. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Sonny was also a self employed insurance agent, farmer and member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he was a deacon.
He is also survived by one daughter, Missy Hill (Charlie) of Union City; one son, Ricky Council of Union City; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by three sons, Ross Shelton, Donny Council and Terry Council; and one sister, Martha Lee McBride.
The Messenger