CHARLES IRBY SHELTON

PERRY – Charles Irby Shelton, 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2022. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Perry Presbyterian Church. A private burial will be held for the family in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Grace Church of Perry, 1736 Houston Lake Road, Perry, GA 31069. Charles was born on October 8, 1930, in Newport News, VA. Raised in Perry, he was a 1948 graduate of Perry High School and soon went to work for RAFB. He got his marching orders in 1951 and was ultimately assigned to the Japan Procurement Agency in Yokohama, Japan, due to his knowledge of IBM equipment. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Nelle Tuggle, and together they raised four children. Charles was instrumental in starting Westfield Schools, serving as the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees, breaking the tie to name the school Westfield. He faithfully served in many capacities at Perry United Methodist Church, while also teaching the 9th grade Sunday School class for over thirty years. Known unofficially as Perry’s Historians, Charles and Nelle helped establish The Perry Historical Society, and many clubs, churches, and class reunions have been recipients of his knowledge and pictures through his presentations. Upon retirement from RAFB, Charles received the AFLC Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest award bestowed on behalf of the Secretary of Army to civilian Army employees. He was a gifted craftsman and carpenter which was made evident by his lovely home. He served as a project manager for Habitat for Humanity, and many a person was aided by his generous spirit and craftsmanship. Charles was a gentleman in every aspect of the word. He was kind, content, and quick witted. He was a faithful follower of Christ, a devoted husband, and a caring and patient father who taught his children to stand for the American flag and bow to the Almighty God. He was also a skilled storyteller who left a legacy to his children by gifting them with a beautiful and treasured autobiography entitled, “A Simple Life.” Charles was preceded in death by his parents Cyrus I. Shelton and Eulalia West Shelton; his son, Dr. Thomas Shelton; his brother, Howell Shelton; and his sister, Rosmond Ward. Left to cherish the memories they made with Charles are his loving and devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Nelle Tuggle Shelton of Perry; his children, Charles Irby “Chip” Shelton, Jr., Nancy McLendon (Sandy), and Dr. Louis Shelton (Tesa), all of Perry; his daughter-in-law, Bristol Shelton Williams (Jerrell) of Perry; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. The family wishes to thank the village who helped care for Charles during this last season of his life: Nikki Pickett, Hands of Hope, and Heart of Georgia Hospice. They truly are the hands and heart of Christ. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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CHARLES IRBY SHELTON

October 8, 1930 - December 28, 2022