History & Staff

Russ Beard, Manager / Funeral Director and Embalmer

Russ is a lifetime resident of Morgan County and has managed several funeral homes throughout his 30-year career. Russ graduated from Hartselle High School in 1988 and attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on a full athletic football scholarship.After two seasons with the Mocs’ football program he returned to Alabama to pursue a career in the funeral industry. Russ graduated from Jefferson State Community College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mortuary Science and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Athens State University.
In 1999 Russ was honored to be elected Coroner by the people of Morgan County and proudly served three consecutive terms.
Above all, Russ considers his loving family to be his greatest accomplishment in life. Russ and his wife, Susan, are blessed with four boys and are proud to have raised them in Morgan County. In his time away from work, Russ enjoys being with his family, taking his sons deer hunting, and giving back to his community.
Should you have any questions or concerns during your time at Shelton Funeral Home, please do not hesitate to let Russ know.

Jasson Andrew Thomas, Funeral Director/Embalmer/Cremationist

Jasson is a resident of Logan, Alabama. He and his wife of 25 years, Brandy, have four children, Abbye, Myah, Loralie and Mason. Jasson and his family attend Landmark United Pentecostal Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He is an Associate Pastor and Board Member of the church; and he and his wife serve as the Youth Pastors as well. Jasson enjoys being with his family, sharing precious time and memories; and also enjoys deer hunting when time allows.

Jasson graduated Holly Pond High School in 1999. After graduating high school, he became a licensed Funeral Director in 2001. Then, in 2014 he graduated from Jefferson State Community College with an Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science. Jasson currently holds licenses as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Cremationist; as well as being a Certified Pre-Need Sales Agent and Commissioned Notary Public for Alabama State at Large. He has been serving families for more than 25 years in Cullman, Blount, Madison and Morgan Counties.

Although his employment path brought him to Shelton Funeral Home in June of 2024, he doesn't view his work here as "just a job", but as a ministry to help families in their most difficult time of need. Jasson has committed his life to serving God; ministering to the needs of others; and showing his compassion for the families that we serve.

Rev. Phil Kimbrough, Funeral Assistant

Rev. Phillip P. Kimbrough, of Decatur, respectfully known as Bro. Phil, was born and
raised in Russellville, Alabama. He and his family moved to Decatur in 2010; and he
joined our staff about five years ago.
Bro. Phil graduated from Russellville High School in 1969. After high school he
attended Welch College in Nashville, Tennessee where he earned his Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Bible and Pastoral Training in 1973… the same year that he married
the love of his life, Miss Mildred McKinney.
Bro. Phil and Mrs. Mildred shared 51 years of marriage together, building a life filled
with love, laughter, and cherished memories for their children, Jason and Jennifer;
as well as their five grandchildren, until Mrs. Mildred went to her Heavenly home to
be with the Lord in 2024.
Bro. Phil has been a pastor for 53 years, serving as a beacon of faith and
compassion in churches throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He has
touched the lives of so many with his fervent commitment to serving others. Bro. Phil
enjoys working at Shelton Funeral Home because it is an extension of his work for
the Lord.

Allen Perry, Funeral Assistant

Allen was born and raised in Limestone County. He is a 1976 graduate of Athens High School and 1980 graduate of the University of North Alabama. He is married to Marcia (Carroll) Perry and they live in Decatur. They have two sons, Shane of Dothan, AL and Spencer and wife Carly of Atlanta, GA. In December 2012, Allen retired after 31 years as a law enforcement officer. He worked at Athens Police Department, Decatur Police Decatur and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. He and Marcia are both very active members at Central Park Baptist Church and with Operation Christmas Child.

Allen not only works at Shelton Funeral Home but also Limestone Chapel in Athens.

Rev. Ken Bush, Funeral Assistant

Ken is originally from Nashville, Tennessee, as is his wife, Kay. They met in
college and married in 1980. They have two sons and two grandchildren (a third
expected in May 2025). Ken and Kay have lived in Decatur since October 2001.
Ken retired in May 2022 from Central Park Baptist Church after serving almost 21
years as Minister of Education and Outreach. Currently Ken and Kay are members
of First Baptist Church in Decatur.

Ken graduated from Antioch High School in 1975, Belmont College (BBA) in
1979, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MRE) in 1983. He has
served in various churches in Tennessee, Indiana, and Alabama. He joined the
Shelton Funeral Home family in the summer of 2022 and is blessed to have the
privilege of serving and ministering to families during the difficult time of dealing
with the death of a loved one.

Rev. Jukobie Jones, Funeral Assistant

Josie Hopkins, Funeral Assistant

Caleb Beard, Funeral Assistant