John Shelby

Kingsport, TN - John Shelby, 90, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, surrounded by his family.

John proudly joined the United States Air Force right out of high school and was stationed in Tucson, Arizona, where he met the love of his life, Doris. They soon married and began their journey together. He enjoyed working as a jet mechanic and later moved with his family through several states before settling in this area.

After becoming a licensed insurance salesman, John later found a long career with Sears, retiring in 1991. Never one to sit idle, he went on to start a handyman business with his good friend, Ronnie Starnes, a venture he greatly enjoyed.

John was known for his love of conversation and his deep devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his later years, he developed a fascination with YouTube, spending countless hours watching videos of rock crushing, police chases, and even garbage trucks.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Doris; his parents, Robert and Rhodina; and siblings, twin brother Jerry, Bob, Jewel, Lester, Lawrence, and Hester.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Denice Flowers and husband Bobby, Jerrie Jayne and husband Kenny, and his son Jeff Shelby; grandchildren, Lee (Erik), Christopher, Dani (Zach), Candice (Adam), Tanner, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Parker, Sophia, and Raylianna; nephew, Doug Maxwell and wife Robin (children, Alexi and Kelli); and niece, Ann Maxwell (son, William).

John will be privately interred at American Legion Cemetery in Big Stone Gap, VA.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at trinitymemorialcenters.com