LD Shellnut of Sheridan, Arkansas was born April 17, 1926 at England, Arkansas, the son of the late Lonnie and Lennie Tolbert Shellnut. He was a charter member, former song leader, and deacon, of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, near his home in Sheridan. In fact, being a skilled brick mason, he actually helped build the church building. During his many years laying brick, the Shellnut family was well known, and well respected, as evidenced by the many homes and businesses that they worked on. LD served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Seargant . Among his other hobbies, he enjoyed playing dominoes, and cards at the Grant County Senior Citizens Center, as well as hunting, fishing, gardening, and going to gospel singings.

Mr. Shellnut died Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his home near Sheridan, at the age of 93. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Smith Shellnut; son, Paul Shellnut, Sr.; son-in-law, Billy Shumate; great granddaughter, Autumn Bailey Walker; and 8 siblings.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Jeannie and Arthur Harp of Sheridan, Barbara and Louis Lea of Carthage; daughter-in-law, Gerry Shellnut of Sheridan; siblings, Freddy Shellnut and Erma Shellnut Bradford, both of Texas; 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by a good friend, Billie Fuqua of Sheridan, a host of other family members, and many, many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan, with Bro. Michael Walton and Bro. James Lybrand officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 P.M.

Pallbearers are David Harp, Paul Shellnut, Jr., Michael Shellnut, Bryan Shumate, Brent Shumate, Brandon Johnson, Lonnie Shellnut. Honorary pallbearers are Matthew Harp, Curtis Bradford, David Johnson, Wayne Cone and Lindsey Shellnut.