Fred Douglas Shelton

Fred Douglas Shelton was the son of the late William Thomas Shelton and Reva Sadler-Shelton, born in the township of Lake Landing, NC on June 22, 1946. He was a member of CIC (Centurion Interdenominational Church) Hampton, VA under the leadership of Pastor Lucious Morton. He came to faith in God under the teaching of the Pastor of St Lydia Baptist Church (Current Pastor, Selma S. Hunter) of Swanquarter, NC during his childhood years.

Fred was a 26-year Veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War and several duty stations throughout the United States. He earned numerous service medals and awards before retiring as a Master Sergeant (E-8) in 1992. After his military experience, which ranged from Drill Sergeant to college ROTC Instructor, he served the community through employment at the Virginia Department of Transportation Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and Chamberlin Retirement Home at Fort Monroe National Monument.

He was a High School graduate of O. A. Peay High School in Swanquarter, NC. He continued to pursue his education while in military service and beyond by taking courses to advance his career and interests.

Fred was a family man and a man of faith; always ready to offer support to those in need. He was a jack of all trades and always stayed active; even building his own shed in the backyard. He was an avid gardener, loved keeping his family members’ cars in tip top shape, plus completing the 1983 St. Louis Marathon in a time of 4:12:44

He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Fred leaves to cherish his memory: His wife of 54 years Gracelene Shelton; three children, daughter Freda Shelton of Hampton, VA, son Jamal Shelton of Hampton, VA, and daughter Denece Clayborne and husband Kareem Clayborne of Northern Virginia; three beloved grandchildren, Jamari Shelton of Pittsburgh, PA, Kiara Clayborne of Northern Virginia, and Khavone Clayborne of Northern Virginia; one sister, Gracher Selby of Allentown, PA; two brothers, Dail (Sandra) Shelton of Columbia, NC, and Raul (Claudette) Shelton of Smith Station, AL; a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A public visitation will be held at on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 4:00PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton, VA. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Centurion Interdenominational Church in Hampton, VA, followed by interment at 2:00 PM at Albert G. Horton Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Shelton family.