Renzie Lee Shelton, Jr., affectionately known by his family as
“Sonny”, also known by many friends as “Hawla”, was born
February 15, 1962 in Toledo, Ohio to Elder Renzie Lee Shelton, Sr.
and Joan (Gabriel) Shelton. He took his journey to be with our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ on June 16, 2017 in the Ebeid Hospice
Residence at the ripe age of 55. He was the sixth oldest child of nine
children. He was preceded in death by both parents and one sibling,
Maria Gabriel.
Sonny grew up in Toledo, Ohio where he attended and graduated
from Jesup W. Scott High School. While attending Scott, he
participated in the Scott High School marching band as one of the
best bass drummers. Sonny was very proud of his position in the
band and often talked about the joy he felt as the band marched
down Smead Avenue in the maroon and white uniforms. Sonny was
a lover of sports, especially football. His favorite team, well known
to everyone, was the Pittsburg Steelers. Yes, Sonny bled black and
yellow! One of his favorite hobbies was his electronic football game.
He spent many days during his illness painting and preparing his
football men for battle in his favorite team’s colors. He also had a
great love for fishing. He would often spend time on the fishing
banks with his many friends and special cousin John (Bo). He was
employed as a forklift operator at the Hearthside Food Solution in
McComb, Ohio until his illness hindered his ability to work. He was
also known by many as a vehicle detailing king and landscaping
artist. Sonny was truly a jack of all trades.
His strong religious family upbringing led him to accept Christ at
an early age under the leadership of his father, Elder Renzie Lee
Shelton, Sr. at the Pentecostal Church of God. Growing up, the
family had a strong musical background. Sonny shared this
fascination and was gifted in many ways. He began singing in the
choir as a young boy alongside his brothers and sisters under the
direction of their mother, Sis. Joan Gabriel Shelton. He was also a
musician in the church. In his later years, his passion for music led
him to perform not only on a local level, but also on a national level.
He took a chance to follow his dreams and recorded a 6 song CD
which included the hit song “Wait A Minute”. His love for gospel led
him to sing with several quartet groups locally and nationally.
Although he san with many groups, his heart was always reflecting
on the love and joy he had while singing with his brother in Christ
in the quartet group known as Dynamic Gospel Tones.
Sonny had a personality that could draw you to him effortlessly. He
loved people. All people from all walks of life. He would give you his
last and help you in any way he could. He never met a stranger. His
main love was his family. He loved his family unconditionally and
was especially proud of his namesake and only son, Renzie L.
Shelton, III.
His love for music and people led him to meet the love of his life, his
soulmate, Regina Sullivan-Shelton in 1998 on a hill at a little church
while singing with the Gospel Tones. Many years passed, but Sonny
always kept in touch with her no matter where he was in the
country. In March of 2016, God saw fit for them to reunite once
again. On November 23, 2016 Regina and Sonny or Renzie Lee as
she always called him, were united in Holy matrimony. He finally
go his Geena!
Sonny joined the Paradise Missionary Baptist Church in April of
2016 and began his long awaited journey to become an ordained
deacon alongside his brother in Christ, Deacon Franklin McCord.
He was adamant about letting others know about the change that
was happening in his life. One of his favorite songs to sing was “I’m
just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about somebody, who can
save anybody”. Sonny will be truly missed by all those that were
blessed to know him.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted soulmate
and wife, Regina Sullivan-Shelton; daughters, Dalavian Shelton of
San Antonio, TX, Davonna Hunt, Shamila Shelton and Tunaesha
Shelton all of Toledo, OH and Mya Mason of Monroe, LA; son,
Renzie L. Shelton, III of Monroe, LA; 2 stepdaughters, Britanie and
Blessing Sullivan of Toledo, OH; God daughter, Starr Brassell of
Toledo, OH; 4 sisters, Marshelle Shelton, Arnetta Shelton of
Marietta, GA, Tinorra Shelton and Karen Shelton of Lebanon, OH; 3
brothers, James (Sheila) Watson, Herbert Gabriel both of Toledo,
OH and David (Ivy) Shelton, Sr. of Marietta, GA; 6 grandchildren,
Quinton, Anayah, Tayshawn, Amya, Crystal and Cherish; mother-inlaw,
Mother Betty Sullivan; one aunt, Sis. Mary Starks; special
cousin, Johnathan Shelton; and a host of many nieces nephews,
cousins, relatives and friends.