Bobby Shelton

Bobby Shelton, age 82, of Tippettville, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at Doctors Hospital in Augusta.

Born in Tippettville, he was the son of the late James Hilton Shelton and Jewel Cook Shelton and lived his early years as a child in Wilcox and Dooly counties.  In 1949, he moved with his family to Winter Garden, Florida where he completed high school.  While working at Winn Dixie in Apopka, Florida, he met the love of his life, Barbara Stone.    Bobby served his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1966.  Following his military service, he began a career with Southern Bell Telephone Company working as a framer.  After working in several towns in Florida for several years, he requested a transfer to Dublin, Georgia where he worked as a switchman in the central office.  He retired from Bell South in 2000 after 34 years of dedicated service.

Bobby was a an active member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and served as president of the Oconee Council, Dixie Chapter No. 23 from 1994-1995.  During his term, the chapter participated in a project to place state flags and United States flags at the rest areas along I-75 in Dooly County and the rest areas along I-16 in Laurens County.  

He was always active in his community.  He was a coach for the Laurens County Recreation Department and coached Little League Baseball, football and basketball for the town of Dudley from 1979-1999.  He loved working with the children and watching them grow as he taught each one the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship.. He also served as chairman of the organization committee of organ donors for the Oconee Council to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.

After retiring, he and Barbara moved back to his home place in Tippettville to enjoy retirement and the love of country life.

He was a faithful member of Tippettville Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.  Bobby had a giving heart and was always doing for others without hesitation.  He enjoyed church events and family gatherings and always provided plenty of good food to eat.  He loved cooking, canning, grilling and baking for his family and friends.  His cakes and deserts were highly desired and loved by all.  He was also an avid sports fan and loved fishing.  He also enjoyed his tractors and gardening.

Survivors include:
Sons:
Jeff Shelton (Angelia) of Hampstead, NC
Jerry Shelton (Penny) of Eastman

Daughter:
Tammy Justice (Billy) of Chester

Brothers:
Wayne Shelton (Cathy) of Gotha, FL
James Shelton (Janice) of Winter Garden, FL

Sisters:
Margaret Baird of Orlando, FL
Linda Wagner (Gary) of Orlando, FL
Ruby Nell Maloy of Winter Garden, FL

Grandchildren:  6

Great Grandchildren:  5

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Barbara Stone Shelton, his son, Tracy Tyrone Shelton, his grandchild, Andrew Tyler Justice and his brothers, Royce Shelton and R. J. Shelton.

A graveside service for immediate family only will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, April 29 in Tippettville Cemetery with Rev. Charles Cobb officiating.

The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home Facebook page.

Public viewing will be held 8 am - 6 pm Tuesday, April 28 at the funeral home. 

Memorial gifts may be made to Tippettville Baptist Church, c/o Sue Watson, 99 Watson Road, Vienna, Georgia 31092.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Vienna has charge of arrangements.

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