Charles M. Shelton

CHARLES MADISON SHELTON, SR.

May 12, 1935 – January 22, 2022

Atrium Health Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of Charles M. Shelton, a beloved family man, life-long entrepreneur, and selfless philanthropist.

A native of Mount Airy, North Carolina, Charlie dedicated years of hard work and commitment to the state and his local community. He is best known for establishing Shelton Vineyards in Dobson, N.C., one of many successful business ventures with his brother and business partner, Ed Shelton. Together, they helped put North Carolina back on the map as one of the top wine-producing states in the nation.

Over the course of his life, Charlie and his wife, Sandy, created a powerful legacy of love and achievement, one they have passed down to their two children Mandy Shelton Houser (Mrs. Todd Houser) of Charlotte and Charles M. Shelton, Jr. (Chip) of Charlotte. As distinguished members of the Tree of Life Society at Atrium Health Foundation, Charlie and Sandy have made a significant impact on patients and families through their support of innovative cancer research and treatment at Levine Cancer Institute. Their daughter, Mandy Houser, leads as chair of the Atrium Health Foundation Board and proudly carries on the family tradition of spreading kindness and giving back. Philanthropy from the Houser family also spans across decades with transformational support to Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s, and Perspective Health & Wellness.

Grounded in his faith, Charlie lived intentionally and with purpose. He enjoyed exploring the world through travels with family and friends, but also loved the simplicity of baking biscuits for his grandchildren, who fondly called him Big Daddy.

For his good works, Charlie was awarded one of the state’s highest honors, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame and Queens University of Charlotte’s Carolinas Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame.

Charlie’s legacy is profound, and his compassion and spirit will endure through future developments in Alzheimer’s care, positively impacting people throughout the Carolinas.

To make a gift in loving memory of Mr. Shelton, visit www.atriumhealthfoundation.org/shelton/

The Charles M. Shelton Advancement Fund honors Charlie Shelton’s lifetime commitment to excellence and leadership within our region, which spanned multiple industries including construction, real estate, viticulture, and healthcare. Gifts to this fund will advance excellence in Alzheimer’s care, research and education across the Carolinas.