Many of us know Allen Shelton's banjo playing from his presence on the Starday sides of Jim Eanes, or from his wonderful work with Jim & Jesse & the Virginia Boys. Just two weeks ago he was diagnosed as having leukemia, and then today comes this message from his daughter-in-law:

I don't know how to tell you this, but Mr. Shelton passed away this afternoon. He had to be readmitted to the hospital Thur. because his platelets were low. He was fine Friday evening, but at some point he went to sleep and they could not get him to wake up. They ran tests and believe he had a heart attack and a stroke. He never woke up again, but thankfully he went peacefully surrounded by his family.
We are all very sad, but thankful to know that he was a Christian and is now with the Lord.
You can share this on your blog. Funeral arrangements will be made tomorrow, but the funeral will be held at Anderson-Woodard in Westmoreland.
We appreciate prayers for the family.