Raymond S. Shelton, LtCol, USMC, (Retired) passed away at the age of 72 on February 11, 2021, in Jacksonville, FL, after a valiant fight with many challenges related to Agent Orange. Born in New Orleans, Ray volunteered as an Army warrant officer helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  Rising to the grade of Captain before leaving the Army, Ray graduated from North Texas State, Denton, TX, with honors and then commissioned a 2^nd Lt. in the U. S. Marine Corps before becoming a naval aviator. Key career Marine Corps assignment highlights included Commanding Officer of the HMH 363 Red Lions, as well as designation as a Presidential Command Pilot for President Reagan in Presidential Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1).  His cherished award was the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Following his 30 years in the Army and Marine Corps, he had a second career teaching history at University of Phoenix (San Diego and Albuquerque campuses).  He remained active in service to fellow veterans as a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.  He leaves his wife and best friend of 32 years, Shirley, his brothers Robert Shelton (Mona) and Patrick Shelton, USMC (Retired) (Karen) and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart, as well as many loved family and friends. Preceding him in death are his brother, Ronnie W. Shelton, USCG (Retired), his mother and father, Veronica and Ed Shelton, USCG (Retired).  Ray was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on July 28, 2021.  

God, Family, Country, Corps

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