Audry Dale Shelton, age 68, also known as Big Dale, or Mangus, to those who loved him, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, June 24, 2021.

Dale is survived by his three daughters, whom he loved beyond measure, Tanya Harville and her husband, Lee, Whitney D'Antoni and her husband, Andrew, and Delanie Shelton. The Lord blessed him with five grandchildren: Heigen Shelton, Hallie Shelton, Hailyn Moore, Mario Moore, Jr, and Liam Harville, and five siblings, Tina Hickey, David Shelton, Curtis Shelton, Leesa Blue, and Bill Shelton . He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Dee Anna Grantham, and his parents, Audry Dale Shelton, Sr, and Constance Shelton.

On February 24, 1953, Dale was born in Shreveport, Louisiana , to Constance Shelton and Audry Dale Shelton, Sr. He was graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1971. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, proudly serving our country as an aircraft electrician aboard several naval ships. When asked, he always maintained the USS Kennedy, and USS Saratoga were his favorite on the seas; he loved to tell the stories of his naval travels and experiences.

Dale was both an accomplished and active member of our area's local music scene. Whether he was drumming for a band or performing as a lead singer, he was in his element and loving every minute of it. Legend, Hot Ice, and his favorite southern rock collaboration, Tight Monkey, were his favorites. But, just as active in the music community as he was, he was equally as supportive. Two of his favorite pasttimes were visiting his friends and listening to live music. On any given evening, you could catch him out socializing and "hobnobbing with his buddies," as he would say. Music was his passion, but his friends and family fed his soul.

Big Dale was gregarious, generous, and friendly, always giving his time to help his friends and family in need. He was also a tremendous prankster who loved to laugh, whether at his or someone else's expense. He had a smile that could melt your heart and a temper to match. But that's what made him so special. Above all else, Big Dale loved "his friend Jesus," always keeping his relationship with Our Lord and Savior close to his heart.

The family will hold a visitation at Aulds Funeral Home from 6 pm-8 pm on Monday, June 28, 2021. In addition, there will be a funeral on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at noon at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetary, 7970 Mike Clarke Road, Keithville, Louisiana. All are welcome to attend and to celebrate Dale's life.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to his oncology nursing team Monica, Laura, Trenesia, and Miriam for helping him through his treatments. Julie, his hospice nurse, with Lifepath Hospice, and Aulds Funeral Home, specifically, Big O, for assisting Daddy through his transition into Glory.