Michael "Todd" Shelton

Michael “Todd” Shelton, 60, of Sawmills, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that Todd took his final breath here on earth and opened his eyes in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It would be impossible to honor Todd’s life without sharing his testimony and the redeeming power of the blood of Jesus. For many years, Todd struggled with alcoholism. In August of 2014, he was given what felt like a death sentence—cirrhosis of the liver. But Todd refused to let his diagnosis define the rest of his life. Instead, he made the courageous decision to turn his life around. Not long afterward, Todd surrendered his heart to the Lord and began a new chapter—a new lease on life.

What followed was a beautiful testimony of God’s grace, mercy, and redemption. Over the next twelve years, Todd worked to mend broken relationships and forge meaningful new ones. He loved deeply and had a heart of gold. Todd had a gift for making people laugh, and he loved to joke and bring joy to those around him. He also found genuine joy in helping others, often giving his time, kindness, and compassion without expecting anything in return. The relationships he restored became a source of strength, comfort, and joy through some of the most difficult seasons of his life.

Todd’s story is not one of perfection; it is a story of redemption. It is a reminder that no matter how far we may wander, we are never too far gone for God’s grace. There is no life so broken that He cannot restore it, and no heart so lost that He cannot bring it home. Todd found that grace. He found forgiveness. He found purpose. Most importantly, he found Jesus.

While we will miss his presence more than words can express, we take comfort in knowing that this goodbye is not forever. We hold tightly to the promise of a heavenly reunion and rejoice in the knowledge that Todd is no longer struggling, no longer hurting, and no longer fighting. He is home.

May Todd’s life and testimony remind each of us that it is never too late to turn toward God. His arms are always open, His grace is always sufficient, and His love never gives up on us.

Left to cherish Todd’s memory are his beloved mother, Lee “Christine” Shelton; sister, Kim “Sissy” Gragg (Tommy Gragg); nieces, Macey Patton (Michael Patton) and Maura King (Nathan King); great-nephews, Masten Patton and Gatlin King; and his dear friends, who held a special place in his heart and whose love, laughter, and friendship meant so much to him.

Todd’s life touched those who knew and loved him. His laughter, his jokes, his generous heart, and the joy he found in helping others will be deeply missed. His memory will remain in the hearts of his family and friends until the day they meet again.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 11:00AM in the Whitnel First Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Coonse and Rev. Stuart White officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Todd’s memory to Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care of Hudson, whose compassionate care provided comfort during his final days.