James Donald "Don" Shetley

Mr. James Donald "Don" Shetley, age 85, of 105 Benjamin St., Union, widower of Lillian Rose Shetley, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Union Medical Center.

Mr. Shetley was born in Union, October 25, 1936, a son of the late Joseph A. Shetley and Marie Self Shetley. He was a 1955 graduate of Union High School, attended Spartanburg Junior College and received a degree in business administration from Wade Hampton College in June of 1961. Mr. Shetley joined Allstate Insurance Company on April 2, 1967, as an agent for Union County and surrounding areas. He retired his position in 2003.

Mr. Shetley served in the United State Army Reserves from 1956 to 1980. In 1970, he was awarded the South Carolina Distinguished Service Award by the US Army Reserves. Also in 1970, he was named in the Annual edition of Outstanding Young Men in America.

Mr. Shetley was an active member of the Jaycees in the late 1960s to 1970s and held the office of city councilman from 1972 to 1980 with the City of Union. He served as a county election worker on election days and also worked many hours behind the scenes to attract industry and businesses to Union. One of his last projects he pursued was to have an urgent care facility locate in Union. Mr. Shetley also served as a board member on the Union County Cancer Association Society.

Mr. Shetley was an active member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where he became a deacon in 2005. He always supported his church in many ways and loved his church family.

In 2021, he was awarded Father of the Year by the church.

Mr. Shetley considered his most important job over the past two decades to be "Papa" to his two granddaughters, Sarah Evans and Lilly. His long life on earth was fulfilled by his continued service to, and love of, his family and friends, the Lord and his church, and his community and country.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna Faye Shetley and husband John D. Karvelas of Spartanburg; a son, Don Raye Shetley and wife Jennifer of Union; two granddaughters, Sarah Evans Shetley and Lillian Francis Shetley. He was predeceased by a sister, Francis S. Bright.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Tabernacle Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Brian Childers.

The following are asked to serve as the honorary escort, Skee Nichols, Marion Harris, Stacey Jones, Joe Blalock, Ryan Bradley and John Gregory.

Visitation will immediately follow the services in the church social hall.

Memorials may be made to the Union County Library, Attention Union County Cancer Services, 300 E. South St., Union, SC 29379.

The family will be at the home, 105 Benjamin St., Union.