The funeral service celebrating the life of Varnel Shelton, 87, will be held 2 o'clock, Monday, January 14, 2013, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia. The Reverend John D. O'Cain and The Reverend Jeff Philips will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 o'clock. Interment with full military honors will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Varnel Shelton died Thursday, January 10, 2013, in Columbia. Born July 16, 1925 in Shelton Laurel, NC, Varnel was the son of the late Ernal Shelton and Cora Shelton. Raised in the mountains of NC, it was often said of him, "You may take the boy out of the mountains, but you cannot take the mountain out of the boy." He was married for 67 years to his pride and joy, and the love of his life, the late May Ola Haire Shelton. Varnel retired from the US Army in 1968 having served in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. He took his duty to his country seriously and was decorated for his bravery and loyalty during his service.

Survivors include his daughter, Rita S. Scott (Jeffery) of Blythewood; granddaughters, Leslie Shelton of Lexington, Christen S. Han (Jason) of Columbia, and Bethany J. Scott of Blythewood; grandson, Shelton T. Scott of Blythewood; and great grandson Britton Rourk of Lexington.

Mr. Shelton was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; infant daughter, Patrica Ann Shelton; and son, Jerry Melvin Shelton; and brothers; Laymon, Benton, and Clennie Shelton.

Memories and Condolences may be added to the online guestbook at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Memorials may be made to Woodfield Park Baptist Church, 1834 Morninglo Lane, Columbia, SC 29223, where Mr. Shelton was a member and which he loved very much.

He will be greatly missed by those remaining whom he loved dearly, his devoted daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren of the home, his church family, dear friends and beloved family of the mountains. All rejoice in his victory in his final battle to see his Savior and the loved ones waiting there from him.

The family would to express their gratitude to his health care professionals and especially the dedicated physicians that provided outstanding service to him; specifically Doctors Kaoru J. Pridgen, G. Conrad Bauknight Jr. and Charles Finley.

He lived, served and died gallantly.