On Thursday October 13th, 2016, Western Guilford graduate and former NC A&T pitcher Justin “Caleb” Shelton passed away. Caleb was 27 years old, the son of Steve and Mary Sue Shelton and was a lifelong Greensboro resident.
Caleb leaves behind his young son, Cooper Kent Shelton, brother Chris Shelton (Christina) and their son River, his maternal grandmother, paternal grandfather, and MANY, MANY friends.
Caleb was a very talented left-handed pitcher and played his high school baseball at Western Guilford. His freshman year in college, Caleb attended NC A&T University and also played college baseball at St. Benedict’s College in Columbia, SC. He was a fierce competitor who had an unmatched passion for the game he loved.
Off the field, however, he was noticeable from far away because of his beaming smile. He brightened many peoples’ lives on a daily basis with that smile and his kind, loving, hard-working attitude.
Having known him since our Mustang days (9-10yrs old), I enjoyed watching him develop into a great athlete who played the game of baseball with class and sportsmanship. As a pitcher, he was always hard to face because his repertoire was so great, and he could mix his pitches up so well, especially as we got older. If Caleb wasn’t on the field, he was in the dugout supporting and cheering on his teammates.
Caleb was one of the best teammates that I’ve played with. If he was playing on another team, he was just as cordial when we met at first base after he got a hit while I held him on. It was very rare that we didn’t share a laugh or give each other a hard time at least once during a game. He always sported that smile, no matter what the situation in the game was.
I’m still in shock that Caleb has left this Earth, but I’m sure that he’s starting on the mound tonight on the “Field of Dreams.”
His love for his family, friends, and the game of baseball, and the compassion that he showed was unmatched.
I’m proud to say that I knew Caleb Shelton, and although we haven’t talked in a while, I will always remember all of the good times that we had together. He was an overall great person.
The last time I talked to him was not long after his son, Cooper Kent, was born. He was overjoyed to be a father, and I’m sure he was a great one! There’s no doubt in my mind that he was a great family member to all of his relatives as well.
We will surely miss you Caleb!! Thank you for all the great memories!
On behalf of all of GreensboroSports.com we would like to send our sincere condolences Caleb’s family, friends, and former teammates.
Go fan Shoeless Joe, Brother!! Until we see you again!
**Please keep everyone who was close to Caleb in your prayers, as they go through this extremely difficult time**
Arrangements as Follow:
**There will be no formal visitation**
A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Morehead United Methodist Church. Rev. Spencer Shelton, Rev. Veranita Alvord and Rev. Amelia Black officiating.
The address for the church is 3214 Horse Pen Creek Rd, Greensboro, NC 27410. (Located right beside the Spears Family YMCA)
The burial will follow in Muirs Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Morehaed United Methodist Church, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road, In honor of Caleb.
Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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