Colonel Ray Shelton

Ray D. Shelton was born December 4, 1929 to H.M. and Lorah Shelton. He attended Tyler public schools and graduated from Texas A&M in 1952. The next 24 years were spent in the Air Force with retirement in 1976, when he and his family moved back to Tyler, Texas. During his Air Force service, he was awarded many decorations, topped by The Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (twice) and the Bronze Star - all for his combat service as a pilot in the Air Commandos. On his return to Tyler, he and his brother, Charles Shelton established Shelton Brothers Hardware Store from which he retired in 1995. Since retirement he was active as a volunteer in the Food, Finance and Missions ministries at Grace Community Church. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and finally, a faithful volunteer for Meals on Wheels until the summer of 2018. He also found time to help others in need on a one-on-one basis.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Shelton; sons, Bill, Bryan, Bob and David. Daughter, Cindy Evans and sister, Carolyn Jones. Col. Shelton also leaves 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.