Clarence Shelton

Waynesville, Clarence S. Shelton, age 83, of Monte Vista Drive, died in the arms of his wife surrounded by his family, on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. A native and lifetime resident of Haywood County, Clarence was son of the late Spurgeon and Minnie Hendricks Shelton. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Montpelier in the Pacific Theater. While away at sea, letters from home led to a hand-written proposal. Upon his return, Clarence wed a beautiful young lady from Greer, South Carolina, who wrote those sweet daily letters and whose smile captured his heart. Co-founder of Haywood Oil Company, Clarence went on to establish Shelton Oil and Transport Company, in partnership with his oldest son, Allan. Throughout Western North Carolina and the Southeast, Clarence was known as a promoter of gospel music. An active member of Calvary Road Baptist Church, he served with great dedication as music minister and deacon for many years. He also served as choir director at Barberville Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Maggie Valley, and the Pisgah Camp Meeting. During his 27 years at Barberville the church choir traveled extensively and recorded numerous albums that continue to bless people today. Clarence began singing at an early age. By the time he was three, he was singing with his father and sister, Jessie Mae Brown, in the monthly singings at the Haywood County Courthouse; later, he become the leader of the Shelton Family Singers. Organizing singing schools, he loved the teaching of shape notes and four-part harmony. He sang with the Melody Masters and various family groups. Clarence was a member of the USS Montpelier Association where he served as chaplin. This association gave he and his family many opportunities to travel the country. An avid fly fisherman, those who knew him well, knew that any day was a good day for fishin'. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hettie Mae Brown Shelton (the love of his life); two sons, Allan Shelton (a unique friend; his partner- in business, in fishing and in singing) and his wife, Vicky, of Waynesville and Lavoy Shelton (gave him the drive to keep going) of the home; one daughter, Brenda Shelton Rogers (thrilled him with her musical talents; she provided boundless potential for his music) and her husband, Mike, of Waynesville; four sisters, Jessie Mae Brown (his lifelong singing partner, the "spark" that fostered their "unmatched harmony") of Clyde, and Christine Brown, Irene Howell, and Valerie Holloway, all of Waynesville; one brother, Kenneth Shelton, of Canton; four grandchildren, Angela Shelton Garrett, Tony Rogers, Christy Shelton Tison, and Myra Rogers Anderson; and six great-grandchildren, Thomas-Allan, Jonathan, and Shelton Tison, Chelsea Garrett, and Aaron and Annabeth Anderson. A musical celebration of his life was held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Calvary Road Baptist Church with Reverend John H. Swanger, III and Reverend J. D. Grant officiating. Burial followed at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. Military services were conducted by VFW Post 5202 and the American Legion Post 47; Karma Valentine Shuford concluded with the playing of taps. Serving as pallbearers were C. H. "Butch" Pitts, Eddie Plemmons, Bill Wood, Joe Cassada, Clinton Trantham, Johnny Brown, Bobby Shelton, and Dale Howell. Honorary pallbearers were Darrell Wood, James "Dink" Cook, Bobby Presnell, Bob Shuler, Ronald Thomason, Stan Rathbone, Gene Britt, Reeves Ferguson, and Gary White. The family received friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Clarence was a godly leader who loved the Lord with all of his heart. He was an incredible husband, dad, brother, pawpaw, pawpaw-pawpaw, uncle, neighbor and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a loyal, faithful, caring, humble, selfless man who would help anyone in need. He was a small, passionate soul who stands now before his Lord and Savior as we are sure he was told "well done, my good and faithful servant." We are thankful for every moment God gave us with him. Memorials may be made to Calvary Road Baptist Church Building Fund, 77 Sutton Loop, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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