Dateline: Bakersville, NC

Shelby "Ray" Dellinger, 81, of Bakersville, NC went home to be with Jesus and to be reunited with many family members and friends on January 8, 2021.

Ray was born December 3, 1939 in Bakersville, NC, the son of the late William Virgil and Lura Gragg Dellinger.

Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. His grandchildren and great grandchildren fondly called him Paw Paw. In his younger years, he traveled the country and worked as an ironworker. Later he co-owned L&D Construction in Bakersville. After retiring, he made beautiful musical instruments and was recognized as a master craftsman. He was a Veteran of The United States Air Force. Ray loved reading, history, old-time mountain music, and gardening. He was very proud of his heritage and "his mountains". He was a member of Roan Mountain Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannette S. Dellinger, of the home, son Jon (Kathy), of Rock Springs, Wyoming, daughter LouAnne Baugh (Marlon), of Beechmont, Kentucky, and stepson Jody Shifflett (Cheri), of Hot Springs, Virginia, a brother Herbert Dellinger (Evelyn), of Bassett, Virginia, a sister Grace Buchanan, of Hickory, NC. Also eight grandchildren, Samantha Mcintyre (Josh), Rachel Cole (Trevor), Kali Stewart (Chris), Claire and Eden Dellinger, Kory Shifflett (Krissy), Kristin Woodson (Seth), and Hannah Prospt (Dalton). He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren, special nephews, James Howard, Dennis Buchanan, special niece, Holly Howard, and special friends, Ed Metcalf and William Ritter.

He was preceded in death by 7 brothers: Hugh, Ed, Ashford, Bill, Spencer, Roger and Bruce and 3 sisters, Kate, Marjorie, and Pauline.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Henline - Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Dellinger family.