1926
Reuben
2009
Reuben Joseph Shelton
November 14, 1926 — November 11, 2009
RJ was born November 14, 1926 at his parents home just outside of Hawkinsville, Georgia.He was the oldest of 8 children born to Hilton and Jewel Cook Shelton.He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice Heath Shelton, daughter, Crystal Shelton, step-son, Garrison Smith and brother, Royce Shelton.
RJ is survived by his wife M. Juanita "Nita" Smith Shelton of Tippettville, children Joseph Wasserman (Cheryl) of Christmas, FL, Carol Carrier of Gotha, FL, Michael Shelton of Winter Garden, FL, Charles Shoudy (Debbie) of Brandenton, FL, step-sons, Jerry Boddy of Tippettville, Ga., and Joel Smith (Evelyn) of Savannah, Ga., brothers, Bobby Shelton (Barbara) of Tippettville, Ga., Wayne Shelton (Cathy) of Gotha, FL. and James Shelton (Janice) of Winter Garden, FL., sisters-Ruby Nell Maloy (Foy) of Winter Garden, FL., Linda Wagner (Gary) of Orlando, FL. and Margaret Baird (Tom) of Christmas, FL., 11-grandchildren and 5-great-grandchildren and daughter-in-law-Ilona Smith of Bonaire, Ga.
RJ wanted to be in the Army to fight in World War II so bad that he lied about his age and joined at age 16.He served 3 years in the Army and then joined the Air Force where he retired after 21 years.He was on his way to Japan when the Japanese surrendered.He was on guard duty in Japan and it was cold and snowy.He asked if there wasn't some other job he could do.They told him there was an opening in the mess hall,so that is where he first got started learning to be a chef.He was stationed in places all over the world, Wiesbaden, Germany; Etain, France; Okinawa, Japan; England; Korea and Roswell, New Mexico.
After he retired in Winter Garden, FL., he continued to cook at various local restaurants and for his church, friends, and family.He was famous for his 7 layer chocolate cake.The yearly family Thanksgiving celebrations were always at his Tippettville home often having over 40 people.
RJ was a member of Tippettville Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and Church Secretary, a member of the VFW in Hawkinsville, he loved to fish and work as a mechanic on cars.There is still a yard full of old cars.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 14, 2009 in the Tippettville Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Cobb and Rev. Billy Forrest officiating.Burial will be in the Tippettville Cemetery with Military Honors.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Friday evening, November 13, 2009 in Clark Funeral Home.
Clark Funeral Home of Hawkinsville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Reuben Joseph Shelton, please visit our flower store.
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