Rue Shelton

Services to honor the life of Rue Shelton will be held at 6 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 3 pm until service time on Wednesday. James Rhuseau “Rue” Shelton passed away from this life on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the age of 67.  He was also born on February 23, 1952 in Chattanooga, Tenn. to Tommy Lee Shelton and Dollie Ivey Shelton.  In 1955 his father died of a sudden heart attack. As a World War II veteran, he is buried in the Chattanooga National Cemetery, which is a military cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn.  After his dad’s passing, his mother worked hard in her own beauty shop supporting Rue and Linda.  In 1964, Rue, his mom, his grandfather, and his sister, Linda, rode the Chattanooga Choo Choo Train to Miami, Florida to visit aunts and uncles.  Little did they know that this would be their last trip together.  His mom passed away in August, 1964.  Linda and Rue moved to Miami, Florida.  Rue lived with Dollie’s brother, Jay, his wife, Betty, and their son, Dany.  Larry was born a few years later.  Linda lived with their mother’s sister, Nigal Cagle and husband, Robert.  Linda married Jerry Wester in 1968 and moved to Provencal, LA.  A few years after graduating high school, Rue also moved to Provencal, LA.  His first job was helping build the NSU football stadium and the coliseum where he met many lifelong friends.  In 1997 Rue purchased a camphouse on Turkey Creek Lake in Ft. Necessity, LA.  There he made many friends, Mrs. Beach, like a second mom; Shelly, like a daughter; and many others who were like brothers.  Rue’s occupation was a skilled carpenter building decks, porches, and many other projects.  He retired after years of traveling all over the USA while working for companies remodeling Dillards Department Stores.  Rue will be remembered by his many friends and family as a fisherman, guitar picker, and excellent piano player.  He could play anything on the piano by ear.  He was a very talented musician.  Not only did he love catching fish, he loved a good fish fry.  Rue’s home was a gathering place of friends and family.  The picture on the back of this program was Rue’s view off his back porch.  Dr. Liles, the physician who attended Rue during his illness, told Linda that Rue had inspired him.  Dr. Liles said Rue was calm and always at peace.  He said Rue was a “gentle” man. Our thanks to all friends and family for your kind condolences, flowers, prayers, food and contributions.