Send Flowers

Life story

" Raymond “Scott” Shelton Sr., owner of R.S. Shelton Landscaping, Excavating & Hauling, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was born on April 8, 1948, in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Ashland, Virginia, where he spent his formative years.

Scott was known for his remarkable mastery of heavy equipment, a skill that left those around him in awe for more than forty-five years. From an early age, he was drawn to tractors, mentored by his father, Delaware Shelton. While others turned to sports, Scott chose tractors – plowing gardens, discing fields, and bush hogging land, which eventually led to backhoes, bulldozers, and dump trucks. His passion and determination led him to establish his own company in his late teenage years, laying the foundation for what became a lifelong career. Launching a business in the late 1960’s and 1970’s was a formidable challenge for a Black man, yet Scott faced those challenges with resilience, determination, and tireless effort. He did not claim perfection, but he was unwavering in his commitment to excellence. His work ethic was unmatched, and his creativity and persistence remain a legacy carried on by his children and by countless colleagues who worked alongside him. Scott was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Ashland, where his father once served and where many of his closest friends continue to gather today. Scott loved his parents, Delaware and Ruth, with unwavering commitment and generous love, and until the end of his days, he constantly made mention of how thankful he was for their care for him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delaware James Shelton Jr; his mother, Ruth Shelton; and his wife, Landonia Mickens Shelton.

He is survived by his children: Scott (Victoria) Shelton Jr, Saundra Shelton, Lisa Shelton, and Chris (Rose) Shelton; his siblings, Edmond Claiborne, Christine Howard, Lyn Taylor, Melvin Claiborne Jr, Darlene Taylor, Phyllis Brown, Janice Claiborne-Foster, and Nicole Claiborne; eight grandchildren, Joshua, Jordan, Justin, Glenn, Tudor, Samuel, Zoe, and Simone; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends who faithfully supported him throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to your local church, whether through financial support or acts of service in your community. The family will not be holding a formal service.

1 Corinthians 15: 12-20

12“ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:
17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
Hallelujah!"