Hugh Thornton Shelton was born February 15, 1919 in Greenville, Kentucky. He was the son of Fred Shelton and Fannie Saulsbury Shelton. Hugh was the third son and last survivor of four siblings (two brothers Alvin and Hayes; one sister Freddye).

He obtained his early religious training and elementary education in Greenville, Kentucky. Hugh graduated from Drakesboro Community High School-Drakesboro, Kentucky as Valedictorian of his class in 1937. Hugh was inducted into the Army in 1942, and served his country for three years. He is a veteran of the North African and Italian Campaign of World War II. His last tow and a half years were spent overseas. He returned to the United States in 1945 after completing his tour of duty and honorably discharged in November 1945 as a Corporal. He spent the next three months with his parents in Greenville while readjusting to civilian life.

On March 3, 1946 he married Carrie Burgess whom he met while stationed in Camp Butner near Durham, North Carolina. They remained in Durham, NC briefly prior to relocating to Brooklyn, New York and finally to Rosedale, New York, which has been their permanent residence since April, 1966.

After relocating to New York he attended Brooklyn Community College, Queens College-Flushing, New York and New York University in Manhattan in pursuit of his career. A a result his work experience includes the Import.Export Department of Macy's Department Store in New York City for 17 years Later he was employed by the New York City Transit Authority-Revenue Department where he remained until his retirement in 19985 after twenty years of service.

Hugh's church affiliation since relocating to New York includes a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church-Brooklyn, NY; Member, Vice president of the Trustee Board and Financial Secretary and Men's Fellowship of Calvary Baptist Church-Jamaica,NY. He is currently a member of St. Albans Congregational Church, UCC, St. Albans, NY.

Hugh leaves to mourn his passing his wife Carrie; sister-in-law Esther Winston and a host of nieces and nephews.