Earlie Shelton, affectionately known to family and friends as “Spookie” and “Duck,” passed away on August 5. He was 74. He was born on February 22, 1952, to the late Henrietta Wynn-Shelton and Andrew Holifield.
Earlie was a man of accomplishment, service, faith and family. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1973 to 1976. Following his military service, he continued his education and became a 1984 graduate of C. A. Fredd State Technical College.
Earlie shared many years of life and love with his wife, Tina Watford Shelton. Their journey together began in 1983, and they were united in marriage in 1991. His children, Jeannie (Lepolean) Peterson, Sarah McGuffie, Rodney Watford and Kelvin Watford, were an important part of his life and legacy. Kelvin Watford preceded him in death.
His grandson, Noah Peterson, also preceded him in death. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Tyrin Rogers, Jaiden Peterson, Jonathan McGuffie, Kendrick D. McGuffie, Quintrell D. (Kiaria) McGuffie and David Lee Robinson III, and his great-grandchildren, Khalix McGuffie, Malakai McGuffie, Messiah McGuffie and Kacey Smith.
Earlie was one of twelve siblings. Seven siblings preceded him in death: Bertha Ballard, Ervin Shelton, Eugene “Daisy” Shelton, Annie Tate, Willie L. Travis, Gracie N. Nixon and Earnest Scott.
He leaves to cherish his memory his surviving siblings, Margaret A. Shelton of Greensboro; Joe Shelton of Akron; Bessie “Johnny” Dennis of the Bronx, New York; Shawyna (Joseph) Steward of Oklahoma; and Keith (Nikita) Royal of Houston, Texas.
He also leaves his brothers-in-law, Ernest Watford of Bessemer, Goldy Watford of Greensboro and George Benison of Greensboro, and his sisters-in-law, Diane (Eddie) Jones, Annie Ervin and Lethia Lewis, all of Greensboro.
He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.
Funeral services were held Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Greensboro, with Rev. Johnny Anderson Sr. officiating and Rev. Paul W. Sanders Sr. of A Greater Destiny Christian Fellowship Church of Tuscaloosa serving as eulogist.
