Ronald Layton Shelley SFCUSA, (Ret.)

Loris….. Ronald Layton Shelley, SFC USA(Ret.), age 93, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026. Mr. Shelley was born in Conway, a son of the late Roshier Brian Shelley, Sr. and late Minnie Cooper Shelley. He was drafted in 1953 into the US Army on active duty during the Korean War. Mr. Shelley then served in the US Army Reserves for four years from 1956 - 1961. He then re-enlisted in the US Army in 1961 and served active duty from 1961 to 1979 where he served with Honor, Distinction, and Integrity. Mr. Shelley retired in 1979 with 26 ½ years of service, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam as a 11B40 (SFC) Infantry Platoon Sergeant. He was awarded three Bronze Star Medals with V device, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge. He retired from the US Army and then served in the South Carolina National Guard. But the greatest honor and privilege of his life was taking care of his family and his faith in God. The level of love and dedication and commitment to his family and friends are what made this man so very special to all who knew him. He always had a kind word, encouragement, love, and advice for anyone. Mr. Shelley was truly a very special blessing to everyone who knew him. He was a husband, a father, a brother, a son, an uncle, a mentor and the best friend anyone could ever have and was a man of his word. Mr. Shelly was admired by all who knew him and he will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Mr. Shelley was predeceased by his first wife, Doris Johnson Shelley and his second wife, Malaise Field Shelley; six brothers, R. B. Shelley, Jr., Charles Shelley, Don Shelley, Don Shelley, Frierson Shelley, Jackie Shelley, and Buster Shelley; and four sisters, Ruby Columbio, Marie Graham, Jean Long, and Mary Duncan. Surviving are: one son, Ronnie Shelley of Loris; two step sons, Jeffrey Field and Michael Field (Lisa); two stepdaughters, Gwen Caylor (Bill) and Jill Campbell (Jeffrey); special grandson, Robert Field; beloved niece, Donna "Sweet Pea" Arnette; and five other grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel with Rev. Chris Johnson and B. Shawn Fipps Officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday. The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the Agape Hospice staff, Cayla Voigt, Jane Pickus, and Kimberly Pace; South Carolina House Calls staff; Melissa Cemenert, Maranda Trussell, Jesse Cooper; Mike with Mako Medical; the Horry County Police Department and Horry County Sheriff's Department; James Branton, and Tim Hutson. And with "endearing love and gratitude towards Dave Parham and Hank Huggins for their lasting friendship. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438. Sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Ronald Layton Shelley SFCUSA, (Ret.)

September 5, 1932 - June 7, 2026