BENTON — Alfred Earl Shelnutt,
81, of Benton, went to the Lord on Oct. 27, 2023. He was born Dec. 18, 1941, to Nancy Emogene “Emma” Shelnutt and Doyle Alfred Shelnutt of Benton. Alfred is preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Kaley Shelnutt Whitlock, his brothers Tommy Shelnutt and Gary Shelnutt, and nephew Tommy Shelnutt (all of Benton).
Alfred was raised amongst many members of his family and other friends around 4th Street in Benton, close to present day Tyndall Park. He grew up with meager means and a strong work ethic, which generated a widely respected young man who could be trusted at his word and given any task for completion.
Alfred worked in and owned successful businesses in Saline County since the 1960s, including “Shelnutt Masonry” through which he built buildings, houses, and walls throughout Central Arkansas. He learned to lay bricks at an early age and learned a keen business sense, being admonished at the age of 13 for not recalling the correct amount of brick he had laid that day by a well-known Mr. Henry Gingles. He had, in Mr. Gingles’ account, under-charged for his work and ought to keep better record. In the 1970s, as a Karate black belt himself, Alfred opened the “Benton Karate Institute” in downtown Benton and trained people of all ages. He also assisted his brother Finis in training Governor Winthrop P. Rockefeller’s bodyguards in self-defense. In the 1990s he founded “Accent Iron” for which he was dubbed “The Iron Man” by a news article. His gates, doors, and other ornamental iron products were installed and appreciated in locations around the United States to include 16 gates in Colorado. A caring and generous member of the community, Alfred donated his time, energy, and resources to many projects needing iron work including the Owens and Mooney Memorial Park Clock, the Posey Alleyway Gate, railing at the Saline County Courthouse, railing at the B17 Memorial Park off Hwy 35, and numerous archways and railings at local churches and cemeteries around Saline County.
Alfred loved deer hunting, but especially spending quality time with family and friends at his Circle S Lodge in Kingsland, Ark. Many hours spent keeping up the family cabin, riding the rural backroads, teaching his young ones how to drive, and eating “Bruton’s Brew” filled some of his favorite weekends. In this same vein, Alfred also loved spending time at his home in South Fork, Colo. and spending quiet snowy mornings watching the mule deer feed from the window. Most of all, however, Alfred relished the company of his childhood sweetheart, Sandy, who has been by his side nearly every day since they married as teenagers in 1958. Alfred passed away at home listening to his favorite gospel music with his wife Sandy, his three daughters, and his dog Bentley close by his side.
Alfred is survived by his cherished wife of over 65 years, Sandra Gayle Bethard Shelnutt, his daughters Darla English of Dallas, Karen (Ted) Culliton of Virginia, and Kristi (Jeff) Presnall of Benton, all whom he loved dearly. Also survived by his brother, Finis Shelnutt (New Orleans), granddaughters Tyler (Lance) Westbrook, Chevis (John) Douville of Dallas, and Kara McGhee of Benton, and grandsons Chuck (Emily) Bowman of San Antonio. Chase (Laura) Shelnutt of Bentonville, Daniel (Amye) Shelnutt of Haskell, Dylan Shelnutt of Virginia, and Casen McGhee of Little Rock.
Alfred treasured his 12 great-grandchildren, including Stellan, Sloane, Charlie, Emery, Silas, Skylar, Ridge, Solomon, Jaydon, Cannon, Jameson, and Maesyn. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private memorial will occur at a later date in Kingsland, Ark. and Creede, Colo. There will be no public ceremony or visitation. In lieu of flowers, consider donating in memory of Alfred to Saline Memorial Hospice, the Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute at UAMS, the Department of Neurology at UAMS Medical Center, or the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. All of these organizations provided wonderful staff and expert care in these difficult times.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com