John Albert Shelton

Mr. John Albert Shelton, 85, of Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013. He was born January 9, 1928 in Forsyth County to the late Grover C. Shelton and Marietta Reich Shelton. He graduated from Griffith High School in 1945 and continued his business administration education at Catawba College. He worked several years at Western Electric and later became manager of the Sears Roebuck farm store where he started their fence department. This led to his going into business for himself at Fence Builders, Inc. in 1955. Within a year or two, his brother Marcus joined him. As an early leader in the American fence industry, John served as President of the Carolinas Fence Association, eventually serving as a member of the Board of Directors with the International Fence Industry Association. He coordinated trade shows and seminars throughout the country. His additional civic accomplishments include: Active long-term membership in the Winston-Salem Lions Club, serving as President in 1975-1976, which was their 50th anniversary, the Jaycees, Y Men's, as well as being a jolly Volunteer Driver for the Shepherd's Center. He was an avid golfer while a member of Forsyth Country Club and the Sebring Florida winter golf group. His favorite place to relax with his family was at their vacation home on Lake Norman, where he entertained many Shelton Family Reunions, having as many as 90-100 relatives in attendance. His family were charter members of Peace Haven Baptist Church until they returned to First Baptist. He led the Enablers Class two different times, as well as being active in other church positions. He started a breakfast group of men who graduated from Griffith HS after WWII and they continue to meet monthly. John was a terrific family man with a tremendous sense of humor and an enormous heart for his family. Surviving are his wife, Martha (Dickie) Shelton; two daughters, Rebecca (Sunny) Shelton Jensen (Harold), Laura Shelton Smith (Andrew); a son, John Albert Shelton, Jr. (Yvonne); nine grandchildren, Meredith Ellen Jensen, Martha Jensen Highfield (Cory), Molly Elaine Jensen, Albert Benjamin, Natalia Shelton Hunter (Brett), Jackson Denny Shelton, Travis Shelton Smith, Hunter Dixon Smith, Marietta Caroline Smith; a great grandson, Ethan John Highfield; a sister-in-law, Jackie Shelton; a brother-in-law, Lenue James; and a number of nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be in Forsyth Memorial Park followed by a celebration of his life at 2:00 PM, Monday at First Baptist Church There will be a reception afterwards in the Brown Room. In lieu of flowers, if desired memorials may be made to the Twin City Lions Club, 4360 Charleston Drive, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27127 or First Baptist Church, 501 W.Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101. John's family would like to give a very special thanks to the Memory Unit staff at Brighton Gardens and Brookridge Retirement Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

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