Pastor Dan Schelling
Pastor Daniel “Dan” Charles Schelling, 76, entered his Heavenly home on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was born on June 26, 1949, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to the late Gerald Parke Schelling and Patsy Ruth Gehman Schelling. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Joey Schelling; brothers, Gerald Eugene Schelling, David Thomas Schelling, William Gehman Schelling, and John Parke Schelling; and brother-in-law, Thomas Edwin Bailey.
Pastor Daniel “Dan” Charles Schelling lived a life full of faith and a deep commitment to serving others. To know Dan was to know a man whose heart belonged fully to Jesus Christ.
Dan graduated from Tennessee Temple University and later served as an Associate Pastor for his father. Dan met the love of his life, Deborah Faye Guilliams, at Berean Baptist Church, in Salem, Virginia. The two of them married in 1977, and later welcomed their two sons, Josh and Joey.
Dan founded, built, and then pastored Martinsville Baptist Church for many years. His ministry would later take him to Richlands, where he pastored for six years, and then back to Martinsville to serve at Fairystone Baptist Church for another six years. In 2003, Dan was called to Victory Baptist Church in Fieldale, Virginia, where he served as pastor for the last 23 years.
Beyond the walls of the church, Dan’s ministry reached far into the community. He founded Victory International Ministries, a local food bank that ensured those in need received not only food, but clothing, household items, and most importantly, compassion and the love of Jesus. His generosity knew no bounds — he gave freely, loved fervently, and served tirelessly. Dan was actively involved in disaster relief efforts, working with organizations such as God’s Pit Crew to deliver aid to those affected by tragedies, including Hurricane Katrina.
Even in his illness, Dan’s faith never wavered. From his hospital room (and a wheelchair), he continued his life’s mission, and he led NINE people to Christ, including five members of his own oncology team. His passion for sharing the Gospel was not something he turned on or off —it was who he was, through every season of life.
Dan was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family, especially his grandchildren - even baptizing all five of them, a true testament to the legacy of faith he wanted to pass on.
Pastor Dan Schelling’s life was a testimony of what it means to walk closely with God and to love others. His impact will be felt for generations to come. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and all who knew him take comfort in knowing that he has heard the words he longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” His life was not just lived — it was poured out for others, for his community, and for the glory of God.
Dan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Guilliams Schelling; son Josh Schelling (Magen); grandchildren; Austin Schelling, Hannah Schelling, Dylan Renick, Molly Renick, and Colt Renick; sisters, Patricia Jane Bailey (Murray), Rebecca Catherine Blalock (Kimrey), and Sarah Ann Ritchie Piechota; brother, Timothy Andrew Schelling; sister-in-law, Mary Blosser Schelling; and his beloved dog, Diesel. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Norris Funeral Services – Martinsville, at 1:00 PM, with Pastors Tim Schelling and David Naff officiating. The family will accept guests one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held later.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Baptist Church Building Fund, Attn: David Naff, P.O. Box 737, Fieldale, VA 24089, in Dan’s honor.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory is serving the Schelling family. Online condolences can be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
