Raymond Fryar Shelton

     Raymond “Ray” Fryar Shelton, age 90, of Burlington, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16,2025 at his residence after a brief illness.

     Born in Guilford County, NC, he was the son of the late Rachel Parrish Pegram and stepson of the late John Harvey “H.P.” Pegram. After a childhood heavily influenced by the Great Depression and World War II, at the age of 19 Ray married the love of his life, the late Dorothy Carlene Wolfe Shelton, who passed in 2022.

     Ray and Carlene were happily married for 68 years until her passing in 2022 and were blessed with three children who survive him, Dr. Raymond Alan Shelton of Pasadena, CA, Ken Shelton and his wife, Mia Pizzagalli, of Chapel Hill and Wanda Karen Shelton of Burlington. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Cathryn Shelton and her husband, Jonah Garnick, Madeleine Shelton and her husband, Jonah Melhado, and Melina Shelton. Other survivors include his two cousins, Lee Shelton and Henry Shelton. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Debbie Shelton.

     Ray was a dedicated member of the Burlington Church of Christ for more than 50 years where his faith in Christ grew in strength.

     Ray joined the Burlington Police Department in 1960 as a patrolman and moved up through the ranks to be named Chief of Police in 1978. After 33 years of service, including 15 years as Chief, Ray retired in 1993. During his time as Chief of Police, he championed many foundational innovations and improvements in the Department and received multiple awards. Ray had a particular interest in working with juveniles for which he was presented the 1978 Lynn D. Swanson award for Outstanding Achievement in Juvenile Control by the International Juvenile Officers Association. In 1987, he served as President of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police.

     As he always encouraged his children to progress through their education, Ray began to further his post-secondary education in 1969. While continuing to work full time in his position at the Burlington Police Department, he also attended college at which time he earned his A.A. degree in Police Science in 1971 and his B.A. in Social Science in 1975, graduating with honors in both. He later continued his studies to earn his M.S. in 1978.

     Ray enjoyed his favorite activities and adventures including golfing, fishing, cooking, gardening, dancing, restoring vintage autos, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, playing cards with friends, hang gliding, and skydiving at the age of 80. Ray had an energetic and joyous spirit. He delighted in spending time with his family and many friends.

     A memorial service will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, May 18,2025 at Lowe Funeral Chapel officiated by Rev. Phil Hardy. The family will receive friends following the service in the chapel.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Debbie Shelton Memorial Fund, a charitable fund established 25 years ago in memory of Debbie to support education and other causes that were important to her. Donations can be made by check payable to the Triangle Community Foundation with “Debbie Shelton Memorial Fund” written in the memo line and mailed to: Triangle Community Foundation, PO Box 12729, Durham, NC 27709.

     You may leave condolences and watch the service at www.lowefuneralhome.com.