William Earnest Shelnut

William Earnest Shelnut, 93, was taken into the arms of Jesus Christ on January 21, 2021. He was born on November 07, 1927 to the late Lester and Ola Shelnut in Cleveland, Georgia. He was the oldest of eight children. 

William met his wife Dorothy Gilstrap in Cleveland, Georgia and were married in 1950. They moved to Greenville in 1953. They had a wonderful daughter that they named Debbie. They were married for over 70 years. William loved being outdoors and loved wildlife. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. He only took from nature what he needed. He was a very skilled taxidermist, always in demand. William also loved beekeeping and tending to the hives. 

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Shelnut, daughter Debbie Shelnut, grandson Timothy Shelnut and great granddaughter Lillian Shelnut, a sister Ethel Abernathy, and five brothers: Herman Shelnut(Lola), Harold Shelnut(Mary), Earl Shelnut(Sue), Lawrence Shelnut(Annie), and Clarence Shelnut(Pam).

William is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Ola, a brother Walter Shelnut, and a baby sister Dorothy Shelnut.

A graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, January 26th, at 1pm at Graceland Cemetery-West. 

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland