Gene (Punky) Sheldon

Gene “Punky” Sheldon, age 80, of New Smyrna Beach, died Monday, October 8 at his vacation home in Cullowhee, North Carolina.  A fifth generation New Smyrna Beach native, Punky lived both in New Smyrna Beach and St. Augustine, where he was in management with the Florida East Coast Railway.

 

Punky gave to the community.  He served on the YMCA board, and its Holiday Charity Ball committee, which led him to be recognized as VIP of the year.  With his late wife, Marjorie, he started the NSB CAPS spaghetti dinner.  He was past president of the Southeast Volusia Historical Society; a significant volunteer with the American Cancer Society, especially with its Relay for Life; and with very little help saved the annual Holiday Boat Parade.  A man of faith, he was a member and past Trustee of Coronado Community United Methodist Church.  He was also a member Smyrna Yacht Club, member and past commodore Anglers Yacht Club, member of New Smyrna Lodge #149, Free and Accepted Masons, member of Morocco Shrine Temple, Jacksonville, past president of St. Augustine Shrine Club, and member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

 

Survivors include his wife, Pamela, and daughter, Mary Patricia “Trish” Sheldon of Columbia, South Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Jones Sheldon, and children, Dena Louise Sheldon and William Todd Sheldon.

 

Celebration of Punky’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 26, at Coronado Community United Methodist Church, 201 South Peninsula Avenue, New Smyrna Beach with the Reverend Laura Berg and the Reverend Mark Spivey officiating.  A reception will follow at the Anglers Yacht Club, 2 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Anglers Yacht Club Scholarship Fund, 500 Canal Street, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 or to American Cancer Society SE Florida, 1737 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite 140, Daytona Beach, FL  32117.

 

Condolences may be sent to www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com.