Charles "Chuck" Shelton

Charles “Chuck” Shelton

1947-2025

In a time when integrity is rare and convictions are often compromised, Chuck Shelton lived a life that spoke louder than words ever could. With heavy but grateful hearts, we now write this tribute—not only to honor Chuck’s incredible life but to celebrate the eternal legacy he leaves behind.

A Servant’s Journey

Chuck’s story began in California in 1947. Born into a family rooted in service, he joined the United States Navy in 1965 and served his country faithfully, including active duty aboard a WWII-era destroyer. But it wasn’t just military discipline that defined Chuck—it was the life-altering moment when, during his time in the Navy, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on June 22, 1970. “Everything changed for me that day. It was wonderful,” Chuck said. And anyone who knew him could attest: it showed.

Faith Without Compromise

Chuck’s faith was never a Sunday ritual. It was a daily walk—anchored in Scripture, prayer, and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Fluent in Hebrew and Greek, he spent five decades pursuing the Word of God, not just as a scholar but as a faithful teacher. “I feel a strong personal passion to stand up for and teach the Word of God as originally written,” he said. His passion was not merely academic—it was prophetic. His favorite verses included Acts 17:11 and Matthew 5:18, both reflecting his drive to test, verify, and live out truth in a world often hostile to it.

A Warrior in Local Politics

In 2000, Chuck turned his convictions into action. Inspired by God to join the pro-life movement, he stepped into local politics in Williamson County. For over 25 years, he quietly and powerfully helped shape campaigns, advised candidates, helped promote legislation upholding traditional values, and fought for righteousness in our schools and local government. He didn’t seek the spotlight. He didn’t run for office. Instead, he faithfully stood behind the scenes, helping others stand taller. “The Lord has often impressed on me 1 Samuel 17:29 (NKJV)—‘Is there not a cause?’” Chuck shared. That scripture became his battle cry as he stood against anti-biblical ideologies in education and governance. He was never afraid to ask hard questions—or to walk away when values didn’t align with God’s Word.

Global Missions, Eternal Vision

Chuck’s impact stretched far beyond Tennessee. Between 1996 and 2011, he made seven trips to Bolivia to share the gospel with the Quechua Indians, supporting the ministry of Living Truth. His passion for spreading truth across continents and cultures was matched only by his humility and love for people.

Faithful to the End

Despite the debilitating illness of pulmonary fibrosis, believed to be the effects of asbestos exposure from his Navy service, Chuck remained steadfast in faith. Even as his health declined and he required increasing amounts of full-time oxygen, he held tightly to God’s promises and stuck to his mission of promoting righteousness in local government. At those times when it seemed that unrighteousness was winning, he refused to give up. In 2024, God gave him a word from Exodus 14:15—“Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” And he did—quietly, boldly, and without compromise.

Called Home, Forever with the Lord

In November 2025, Chuck Shelton went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, leaving behind his wife of 35 years Sandi, his brother Tony (and wife Ann), his nephew Peter (with son Leif), his brother-in-law Ronald Hirsch with wife Patsy (and their children), and the amazing friends and church family who walked with him through his years on this earth. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we rejoice knowing he is now face to face with Jesus—the One he served so faithfully for over five decades. Chuck’s life reminds us that politics without principle is noise, faith without action is hollow, and love without truth is deception. He lived out the Gospel with courage, humility, and conviction. His legacy will continue through those he taught, inspired, and prayed for.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.  Please contact the family for details.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.