Randy L. Shelton 1949-2026

He was born Sept. 2, 1949, in Morgantown, W.Va., to Edward Lee and Virginia Sanders Shelton. Randy moved to the Cortland area in the sixth grade and was a proud 1968 graduate of Lakeview High School.

Following high school, Randy answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Base in Michigan, he worked as an aircraft mechanic and achieved the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in August 1971.

After his military service, Randy worked at Packard Electric for 11 years. A driven and hard-working man, he realized his lifelong dream of owning his own business in April 1984, when he opened “Randy’s Wheel Horse” in Cortland. For years, he served his local community as an authorized dealer and service center for tractors, chainsaws and outdoor equipment.

In his free time, Randy was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and riding horses. He was a dedicated family man who shared many wonderful years with his wife, Carol, the owner of Fluff-n-Buff Dog Grooming, until her passing in May 2023.

He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory, including his children, Shawn (Kerry) Shelton and Shannon C. Shelton, and his six grandchildren, Jack, Grace, Noah and Luke Shelton, and Emily and Ethan Adkins. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie (Pat) Dobozy; his brother, Kevin (Colleen) Shelton; his niece, Jaime (Matt) Wagner; his nephews, Ryan (Nicole) Allison, Jason (Shannon) Shelton and Justin (Kelsey) Shelton; and his longtime friend and companion, Sharon Osborne.

Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, Edward and Virginia; and his brother, Nelson Shelton.

In accordance with Randy’s wishes, a private service is being planned for a later date by the family.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com.

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