Obituary for William “Billy” J. Shelmon, Sr. Sr.
William J. Shelmon, Sr., affectionately known as “Billy,” was born on December 23, 1937 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He transitioned into eternal life on Monday, May 8, 2023 at his home in Chattanooga. He was 85 years old. He was the only child born to Willie L. Shelmon and Rena M. Shelmon, who preceded him in death. He was also predeceased by his mother-in-law, Clemie M. Holmes and grandmother, Fannie Mae Sledge both of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Billy graduated from Howard High School, class of 1955. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force in Amarillo, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Gipson-Shelmon. They later married on August 16, 1958.
After returning home to Chattanooga from the Air Force, he worked at Memorial Hospital and then at Dupont retiring after 32 years of service. During this time, Billy earned an Associates Degree from McKenzie College in 1976.
Billy was a lifelong member of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church until his health declined. He was known for being well dressed and his nice hats. His friends at Eastgate called him the mayor of the walking group. He enjoyed life to the fullest and spent most of his time hanging out with friends and spending time with his family.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife of 65 years, Shirley A. Shelmon of Chattanooga, TN; five children, Valerie (Dean) Jones of Lafayette, GA, Janet (Michael) Ward of Lithonia, GA, William (Bonita) Shelmon, Jr. of Lathrup Village, MI, Sharon (Joseph) Govan, and Tamala Shelmon of Chattanooga, TN; eight grandchildren, Anita (Tommie) Gowdy of Chattanooga, Marcellus (Nascine) Shelmon of Lithonia, GA, Joia Govan of Decatur, GA, David Shelmon and Bryan Shelmon of Lathrup Village, MI, Jamal Govan of Nashville, TN, Christa Shelmon of Los Angeles, CA and Darika Scott of Memphis, TN; three great-grandchildren, Jaila Coker of Las Vegas, NV, Janae Gowdy of Chattanooga, TN, and Micah Shelmon of Lithonia, GA; brother-in-law Gregory (Angie) Holmes; special sisters-in-law, Delores Henderson, Rosa Morgan, Gloria Moorer, Hannah Burton, and Lucille Stubblefield; special cousins and friends, Emma Lee Jones, Bobby Gordon, and Robert Stubblefield; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will begin at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 16, 2023 and the family will receive friends from 4pm-6pm at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Allen Temple CME Church, 817 Dodson Avenue, Chattanooga. Interment will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Gate time @1:30 PM.
Billy graduated from Howard High School, class of 1955. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force in Amarillo, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Gipson-Shelmon. They later married on August 16, 1958.
After returning home to Chattanooga from the Air Force, he worked at Memorial Hospital and then at Dupont retiring after 32 years of service. During this time, Billy earned an Associates Degree from McKenzie College in 1976.
Billy was a lifelong member of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church until his health declined. He was known for being well dressed and his nice hats. His friends at Eastgate called him the mayor of the walking group. He enjoyed life to the fullest and spent most of his time hanging out with friends and spending time with his family.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife of 65 years, Shirley A. Shelmon of Chattanooga, TN; five children, Valerie (Dean) Jones of Lafayette, GA, Janet (Michael) Ward of Lithonia, GA, William (Bonita) Shelmon, Jr. of Lathrup Village, MI, Sharon (Joseph) Govan, and Tamala Shelmon of Chattanooga, TN; eight grandchildren, Anita (Tommie) Gowdy of Chattanooga, Marcellus (Nascine) Shelmon of Lithonia, GA, Joia Govan of Decatur, GA, David Shelmon and Bryan Shelmon of Lathrup Village, MI, Jamal Govan of Nashville, TN, Christa Shelmon of Los Angeles, CA and Darika Scott of Memphis, TN; three great-grandchildren, Jaila Coker of Las Vegas, NV, Janae Gowdy of Chattanooga, TN, and Micah Shelmon of Lithonia, GA; brother-in-law Gregory (Angie) Holmes; special sisters-in-law, Delores Henderson, Rosa Morgan, Gloria Moorer, Hannah Burton, and Lucille Stubblefield; special cousins and friends, Emma Lee Jones, Bobby Gordon, and Robert Stubblefield; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will begin at 2:00 pm Tuesday, May 16, 2023 and the family will receive friends from 4pm-6pm at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Allen Temple CME Church, 817 Dodson Avenue, Chattanooga. Interment will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Gate time @1:30 PM.