Willie Avon Shelton

Willie Shelton, was born January 15, 1923 in Ramer, TN the son of the late John Grover and Ethel Claire Bell Shelton. He departed this life on March 31, 2019 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 96 Years, 2 Months, 16 Days.

Mr. Shelton entered the Army in March 1943 and was sent to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia for training and then to Fort Walters, Texas for Cannonier Training. After training he was assigned to "L" Company, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in the Mediterainen Area.

His job was an Infantry Scout for the Infantry Companies and then later served as Acting Instrument Corporal in a Cannon Company. He was in combat with the 3rd Infantry Division for two years and then in September 1945 he returned to the United States where he was Honorably Discharged as a PFC.

Among his awards are the Medeterrainen Theater Medal, The European Theater Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, 4 Overseas Bars, 3 Purple Hearts for Wounds received in combat and the French Criox De Guerre.

Mr. Shelton was united in marriage to Ruby Nell Petty on December 5, 1946. He was a farmer for 39 years and continued to enjoy gardening until the age of 93. He was a member of the Chewalla Baptist Church where he had served as Deacon. He loved fishing and being outdoors.

He is survived by three daughters: Vicki Sharon Shelton of Cordova, TN, Mary Shelton Fry and husband Dennis of Collierville, TN, Martha Shelton Gray and husband Brent of Stantonville, TN; a son, Avon Harold Shelton and wife Belinda of Eastview, TN; a sister, Metra King of Alabaster, AL; five grandchildren: Scott Shelton and wife Elana, Ross Shelton and wife Courtney, Will Shelton and wife Megan, Zach Fry and Isabella Gray; eight great grandchildren: Chloe, Bailee, Carlee, Konner, Kolby, Colton, Karsyn and Kate Shelton.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Shelton was preceded in death by three sisters: Johnnie Rushing, Mattie Neal Whitaker and Edith McClain; three brothers: Elmer Clay Shelton, Clarence "Pete" Shelton and Grover "Buck" Shelton.