Andy Shelton

Dorsey Andrew “Andy” Shelton, 68, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Duke Hospice Hock Family Pavilion in Durham, North Carolina.

Andy was born to Dorsey and Louise Shelton (née Bryan) on October 31, 1957, at Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. He grew up in Newport News, Virginia, before eventually returning to Bladen County, where he met his wife, Linda (née Thompson), in 1975 at Pleasant Grove Church. They married on August 6, 1978.

In 1982, Andy and Linda welcomed their first child, Margaret. Six years later, in 1988, Elizabeth was born. Andy and Linda shared 48 years of marriage and enjoyed the happiness of becoming grandparents to Alyssa, Andrew, Brooklyn, and Aubrey. Some of Andy’s favorite times were spent with his family, whether traveling together or simply sharing a meal. Family trips created many memories over the years, and no family gathering was complete without Andy’s jalapeño poppers! These are the everyday moments his family will carry with them and remember fondly.

Andy was born with a heart defect and spent much of his life facing the health challenges that came with it. In 1994, he received a double lung transplant at Duke Hospital. But Andy never let his health stand in the way of the life he wanted to live. For 32 years, he persevered through the challenges he faced, becoming one of the longest-living double lung transplant recipients, and continued to do the things he loved.

One of those things was his work. Andy was a skilled electrician and plumber who learned the trades from his father-in-law, Oscar Thompson, and further developed his knowledge of industrial maintenance at Bladen Community College. It was during his time at BCC that he made many of the friends and professional relationships that would continue throughout his career. He eventually went on to own his own company. Over the years, his work brought him alongside many people who became an important part of his life, and the relationships he built with those he worked with were just as meaningful as the work itself.

Andy is survived by his mother, Louise; his wife, Linda; his daughters, Margaret (Will) and Elizabeth (Tim); his grandchildren, Alyssa, Andrew, Brooklyn, and Aubrey; his sister, Pam; his brother, Billy (Shelley); his brother-in-law, Kenneth Thompson (Gwen); and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Robeson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, aunts, and uncles whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dorsey Shelton; his brother, Kent Bryan; his brother-in-law, Ellis Robeson, and his son-in-law Phillip Smith.

The family will receive friends and family at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, at Shady Grove Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m.