It’s with a heavy heart that I sit at my keyboard to put together a weekly column. Keith A. Shelton, longtime owner and publisher of The Gazette-Virginian, died suddenly Saturday night, leaving those who knew and loved him in a state of shock.

Mr. Shelton was a lion of journalism who followed in the footsteps of his father, the indomitable O. Lynn Shelton, who purchased the Halifax Gazette in 1946.

The Gazette-Virginian was a family-owned paper, and Keith Shelton and his wife, Linda, treated those who worked for them like family.

I’ll always remember the day Keith and former Managing Editor Beth Robertson snatched me from the jaws of Purgatory. After four years in my previous job I was informed that my position would be eliminated.

Believe me, that day I felt about as low as anyone could be (I like to say “lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut in Death Valley”). Luckily for me that feeling was short-lived.

Earlier I had talked with Keith and Beth about an opening at the newspaper. A quick phone call to them, and that afternoon I had a job.

When I came to work at The Gazette I found out how really close-knit the employees were. And that attitude and family atmosphere were all due to Keith and Linda and the genuine affection they had for their employees.

I appreciate the chance they gave me, especially when I was down and out and didn’t know how I would be able to keep things together. I’ll never forget what Keith did for me, and I’m eternally grateful.

But that’s the type of person Keith Shelton was. He gave of himself to others and was a true community servant, taking an active role in activities for the betterment of the community.

A graduate of Furman University, Keith was an ardent supporter of Furman athletics. When Keith’s Paladins and my Hokies played football back in 2008, the week before the game Keith and I carried on some good-natured ribbing with each other.

Of course, Keith went to that game, sitting in the designated visitors section in Lane Stadium. I was sitting across the way, and I scoured the section of purple and white among the sea of maroon and orange, but I was not able to spot Keith (I forgot to take my binoculars). But I’m sure he was enthusiastically cheering on his guys. It was a hard-fought game, but Tech came out on top 24-7.

Back in The Gazette office on Monday I made sure I didn’t crow about the win. After all, Keith was the boss! The only crowing that day was done by Keith who complimented our team, the stadium and facilities, and how well he was treated by the Tech fans.

But that was Keith!

I only worked for him for three years, but in that brief span of time I learned he was the consummate newspaperman. Not having a formal background in newspaper, I was able to learn from him, from Beth and from Paula about what makes a small-town paper.

I’m so very grateful that I had the opportunity to know and work for him, even if it only was for such a short time. Among the editorial staff, I’m the neophyte. Paula, Joe Chandler and Doug Ford have many more memories of working with and for Keith than I have, but the memories I have are fond ones.

Rest in peace, boss…we’re getting ready to go to press.