Hugh Eldridge "Benson" Shelton, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025. He was of the Christian Faith, accepting Christ as his Savior a number of years ago. A native of Madison County, he worked for a number of years as a machinist at Boling Chair Company in Oteen, NC, but lived most of his life in Madison County and retired there as a farmer. A man of many talents, he could do almost anything he put his mind to. When he wasn't working, you could find him thoroughly enjoying himself in the mountains hunting, or on a riverbank or on a lake fishing.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Nita Dockery Shelton; parents, Harlin Dugan and Dessie Cutshall Shelton; sister, Veva Shelton Shipley; and brother, James Shelton.

He is survived by daughter, Nina Shelton Ponder and husband, Gerald Ponder; special son, Paul "Buddy" Hensley and wife, Anna Franklin Hensley; granddaughter, Cristina Ponder Guthrie and husband, Dalton Guthrie; grandchildren, Peyton Fillers, Baylee Hensley, and Raelynn Hensley; great grandson, River Benson Guthrie; sisters, Reva Shelton Cutshall and Bertha Shelton Cody; brother, Grady Shelton; a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Rev. Paul Norton will officiate. Burial will follow at Stackhouse Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12-1:00 pm prior to the service.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Madison Homecare and Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, are welcomed.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.