Judge Gary Richard Shelton, JD of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, peaceful in his home, at the age of 78. Born on June 17, 1947, in Batesville, Arkansas, he was the son of Glenn Ray Shelton and Polly Pankey Shelton. He grew up in Batesville, Arkansas, and graduated from high school in 1965.

A distinguished jurist, Judge Shelton earned his bachelor’s degree from Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in 1970 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1974. He was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He began his legal career as a law clerk to a presiding justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court in Little Rock and passed the bar in 1974. He went on to serve with honor and distinction on the bench. He was a Justice/Administrative Law Judge for the Arkansas Workers’ Compensation (1975-1995). He was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration's Office of Hearings and Appeals in Arkansas (1995). He retired in 2015. Known for his integrity, fairness, and deep commitment to justice, he dedicated his professional life to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of Arkansas.

Outside the courtroom, he enjoyed duck hunting, dove hunting, and deer hunting. He had a great love for fishing for crappie and trout. He was an avid Razorback fan.

He married Angie Jones on January 19, 1980, and this year they celebrated their 46th anniversary. He and his wife, Angie, enjoyed owning Thoroughbred racehorses and traveling to watch them run. They also enjoyed spending time at their tree farm in the mountains of Izard County.

He is survived by his wife, Angie Jones Shelton; his brother, Dr. Bill Shelton and wife Becky of Batesville, Arkansas; sister-in-law Charlotte McKiever; sister-in-law Sissy Jones; brother-in-law Cris Jones and wife Eleanor; sister-in-law Nancy Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews; and his fur babies, the Dude and Jill. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be announce at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Ducks Unlimited, and Out of the Woods Animal Rescue of Little Rock.

Judge Shelton’s legacy of service, fairness, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the Arkansas community.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice and BrightStar Care for their wonderful services and support over the past few months.