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Memphis church mourns loss of ministry leader after Ironman tragedy

Tim Shelton was participating in an Ironman competition when he went into cardiac arrest. He died the following day.
  • October 9, 2023
  • Stephen R. Clark
  • Latest News, Tennessee
(Photo courtesy of Bellevue Baptist Church)

Memphis church mourns loss of ministry leader after Ironman tragedy

Tim Shelton (Facebook photo)

Tim Shelton, pastor of groups leadership and family life at Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church, passed away Sunday (Oct. 8) after participating in an Ironman competition the day before when he suffered cardiac arrest.

Bellevue Baptist posted on their Facebook page, “It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Tim Shelton, Bellevue’s Pastor of Groups Leadership and Family Life. During a triathlon Saturday, October 7, Tim went into cardiac arrest.”

“Known for his kindness toward everyone, Tim touched many lives as he consistently lived out the faith he professed. While we grieve Tim’s absence, we grieve with much hope, and we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord Jesus.”

Tributes blossom on Facebook 

Heather Lovett Griffin, a member of Bellevue, posted on her Facebook page, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share that my friend Tim Shelton has passed away. He was one of the kindest, most humble and godliest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I never knew him without a smile or a kind word.” 

Conservative commentator, Todd Starnes, who attends Bellevue, posted “Tim Shelton, one of our pastors at Bellevue, was swimming in the Ironman race yesterday in Memphis. He went into sudden cardiac arrest. Pastor Tim went home to be with the Lord this morning…He was a deeply loved member of this community.”

Shelton family lovingly supported

At the beginning of Sunday services, pastor Steve Gaines led the church in prayer for the Shelton family. 

Pastor Shelton is survived by his wife Susan, and five sons. Funeral arrangements are pending.

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