Robert “Tommy” Shelton Sr.,79, of Madison, NC passed Monday, March 3, 2025. Public viewing will be held 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m.– 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Stephens United Methodist Church, Madison, NC. The “Home Going” service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with interment following at Collins Cemetery, Madison, NC.

Robert Wayne Shelton, Sr. peacefully departed this life on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Gibson House in Wentworth, NC, after an 8 year cancer battle. Robert was a loving husband, father, grand and great-grandfather. He was affectionately known as Tommy, Poppie, Da Sheriff and Deddie. He was born on November 14, 1945 to the late Harden Lester Shelton, Sr. and Katherine Millner Shelton of Ridgeway, Virginia. Robert graduated from Dewey Mason High School in Ridgeway, Virginia where he played football.

He married Vera Mozelle Anderson on September 24, 1966 and 3 children, Nichelle, Tammy and Bobby were born of their marriage. Robert retired from the Madson Police Department in the 1990s. He was a Captain, who achieved Advanced Law Enforcement Certification as well as the Revolver Sharp Shooter Award. Robert also worked for Continental Canning, Douglas battery and RF Micro Devices.

Robert was a faithful member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church, where he had several roles in the church, including being a Lay Leader. He was a past member of Mayo Missionary Baptist Church and Beulah Baptist Church. Robert was a committed brother of Madison Lodge No. 563 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason of North Carolina and Jurisdictions, Incorporated. He previously held the set in the lodge of the Chaplain.

“Poppie” loved outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, racing, gardening, cutting wood and spending time with his family, his lodge and his church.

Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Mozelle Anderson Shelton, his parents, Harden and Katherine Shelton and siblings, Roberta S. Dalton, Audrey S. Penn, Paul Shelton and Phyllis S. DeJarnette.

Robert is survived by his children, Nichelle Shelton (Lynnette), Tamara Shelton (Clarence) and Robert Shelton, Jr. (Mela); his brothers, Harden L. Shelton, Jr., Alvin G. Shelton (Deborah Renea), is sister, Margaret A. Faust (Joseph); his granddaughters Mi’Osha Scarver (Devante), Tia Salomon (Gregory), Memorie Neal, Malerie Neal, Marley Neal. Shelia Anderson, sister-in-law and Michael Dejarnette, brother-in-law as well as six great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, family and friends.