Obituaries

Shelton Ralph Porter passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the age of 89.

Shelton was born to Letha Sills and Malcom Albert Porter on May 19th, 1936, in Erwin, North Carolina, and was one of nine children. His parents, six brothers, and two sisters all preceded him in death. He is also preceded by his soul mate and devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Sue. He is survived by his children: Scott and wife Kellie Porter, April Thompson, Robin and husband Frank Caruso, Barry Rogers, and Mark Rogers, as well as 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Shelton embodied hard work, humility, kindness, and humor throughout his years as a youngster, right up to the very end. He was always ready to lend a hand to family, friends, and anyone in need. He would warm hearts with his southern gentleman-like sweetness, and it would usually not take long for his quick-witted sense of humor to emerge. It was easy to see Shelton’s dedication and love for his wife, Sue, as it was immeasurable and immense.

With no formal degree, Shelton’s hard work, common sense, and attention to detail earned him a promotion to ship planner, where he was employed at the Newport News Shipyard for almost 40 years. When he retired from there, his work didn’t stop. Naturally handy at just about everything, he served at Liberty Baptist Church, cleaning in the kitchen, fixing broken tables, and everything in between! If he didn’t know how to do it, he figured it out. Shelton loved music. He taught himself how to play the guitar. For many years, he could be seen playing with his brothers at local venues. Shelton also loved doing everything with his wife, including cooking without a recipe, landscaping their home, traveling for family reunions and with the Heart Throbs, going on vacations in Nags Head with family, and going to London, England, to see his daughter and grandchildren.

Shelton loved his family unconditionally and was loved by them in return. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of others-centeredness, kindness, and giving will be remembered and passed on.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).