Ronald Gene Shelton

Ronald Gene Shelton, age 83, of Cayce, SC entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 surrounded by his family at home.

Ron was born on August 30, 1939 to the late James H. and Wilma Scott Shelton in Ironton, OH.  He grew up in Darbydale, OH and was a 1957 graduate of Grove City High School.  On January 16, 1960, Ron married Patricia Ann Roederer in Darbydale, OH.  He received his Bachelors degree in Chemistry in 1963 from Olivet Nazarene College, Kankakee, IL and later earned a Masters degree from The Ohio State University.

In 1967, Ron moved his family to Canton, IL where he taught Math and Science at Canton High School for 15 years.  During that time he also bought a farm, along with dear college friend Dave Wells, and grew corn and soybeans and raised cattle.  While there, Ron and family attended St. David Church of the Nazarene where he served as a teacher and board member.  In 1982, he moved his family to South Carolina and in January 1983 Ron became the creator, developer, and Chief Curator of the Science and Technology Floor of the SC State Museum in Columbia.  He retired from the museum in 2003. 

Ron’s passions were his family, flying airplanes, taking friends and family on nature walks in the NC mountains and Congaree Park, and sharing his love of the planets and stars with everyone. He was active in many organizations including Young Eagles as a pilot and chapter coordinator, the South Carolina Science Council, and the SC Aviation Association.  He also continued to volunteer at the SC State Museum after his retirement.  Ron and Pat attended Columbia First Church of the Nazarene for the past 39 years.

He was predeceased by his parents, one infant brother, James, Jr., and three sisters, Joan Scott, Patty Frump, and Betty Camelin.

Ron is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; three children: Ronita Fox of Cayce, SC, Cathy (Ron) Carlson of Greenville, SC, & David (Karen) Shelton of Cayce, SC; 9 grandchildren: Nathan, Matthew, Katelyn, Nick, Ben, Cassi, Amy, Ashley, & Parker; 10 great-grandchildren: Baylea, Cory, Emilia, Braxton, Payton, Layla, David, Harper, Atlee, & Declan; siblings: Gary Shelton, Linda Triplehorn, & Sally Eckhardt; and many nieces and nephews.

The Celebration of Life service has been postponed and will be re-scheduled for a future date. Barr-Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family.

Online register at barr-price.com

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