SSGT Charles B. Shelton, Jr. (USAF Retired)

Charles B. Shelton, Jr., SSGT (USAF RETIRED), 94, of Durham, North Carolina passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026. He was born in Athens, TN to the late Charles B. Shelton, Sr. and Bessie Edmonson Shelton.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Shelton; son, Terry Lee Shelton  and brothers, Mack Shelton and Fred Shelton.

Mr. Shelton proudly served his country in the United States Air Force retiring as a Staff Sergeant after over 20 years of dedicated service. He then began to work at Rhodes Furniture for over 20 years until he retired as a Warehouse Manager.

Charles was a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church for over 30 years where he also served as a Deacon. Mr. Shelton was a skilled carpenter. He would go to church members’ homes and help build decks, ramps or whatever they needed.

Mr. Shelton enjoyed blue grass and gospel music. Charles took great care of his yard and vegetable garden. He always enjoyed helping others and never turned down anyone in need.

Mr. Shelton is survived by his sons, Gary Shelton and Kelly Shelton; daughter, Shelley Collins; sisters, Zell Forrester and Elva Hahnert; grandchildren, Michael Collins, Chris Collins and Scott Whelan; great grandchildren, Austin Whelan, Isabella Diaz, Liam Collins and Jack Chirstopher Collins and other loving family members and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Hudson Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Durham Memorial Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Durham, NC. Rev. Ed Denton and Rev. Tim Griffin will officiate.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Chris Collins, Michael Collins, Chuck Reid, Austin Whelan and John Long.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Scott Whelan and Ronnie Gower.