Tom Tucker Shelton, Sr. was proud of being 95 years old and loved to see how many people he outlived in the obituaries so to all of those out there over 95, congratulations!
Born in Madison, NC on September 24th, 1929 he was known as Tom in Greensboro and Tucker in Madison. Tucker grew up in Rockingham County where he worked on the family tobacco farm, in the tobacco markets as a human calculator (calculating the value of tobacco during the auction) until he was 28 when he married the love of his life Agnes Hawkins. Tom’s 67 year love story with Agnes is what we all strive to have. In 1958 the couple moved to Greensboro where Tom became a Greensboro police officer. He worked there for 30 years starting as a beat cop, a motorcycle officer, a detective and eventually a Lieutenant. During that time he graduated from the Southern Police Institute and received a degree from Guilford College in 1974. During this time Tom and Agnes raised 5 children, Camilla (married to Kyle Pruitt), Tonda, Amber (married to Glen Lawrence),Tom Jr, and Hope (married to Chad Morgan) and was the most amazing father anyone could ever be given. Tom also has 7 grandchildren, Lucas and Anna Pruitt, Cory and Nicholas Wagner, and Elizabeth, Jake, and Max Morgan.
Tom was the picture of faith and was an active member of Mt. Pisgah (United) Methodist Church for 63 years and is currently a member of the Madison United Methodist Church. With a heart of service Tom and Agnes did mission work across the nation, Wales, Alaska and 15 years doing mission trips in Mexico. Tom retired in 1988 and moved back to the family farm to plant his mothers flowers. He continued working as a private investigator, and at Colonial Funeral Home until he was in his 80’s. Tom was also a 32nd degree Mason, president of the Greensboro police club in 1968, Methodist Man of the Year 1980, a Ruritan, and a member of the Retired Police Officers Association. Tom lived his final days surrounded by his family, and his sisters, Marilyn Plaster and Anne Skow. Tom never met a stranger, believed in serving others, loved to tell a story, was respectful of all, and was an exceptional example of a Christian. Farewell you good and faithful servant.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ancora Compassionate Care and Madison United Methodist Church.
Colonial Funeral Home of Madison is serving the family.
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