My Baby is Gone - Obituary for William E. Shelton, Jr

For my Big Baby

 Obituary

Mr. William Earl “Bill” Shelton, Jr., age 74, of Amelia Island, FL passed away on Thursday evening, March 31, 2011 at his home.

He was the first African American sports agent to manage world class tennis players like Andre Agassi.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was the oldest of four children born to the late, William E. and Ernestine DeVault-Shelton, Sr.  After high school, he attended St. Paul’s University in Columbia, SC where he obtained a Bachelor Degree.  Upon completing his education, Mr. Shelton enlisted in the U.S. Army where he remained until being honorably discharged in 1964. 

He was Vice President, Richard Clarke Associates in New York City, a head hunting agency.

 Mr. Shelton then began a long and distinguished career in Sports Management starting as Vice President of All American Sports, under Nick Bolletierri.  He went on to the position of VP of Player Development at Prince MFG.  In the late 1970s, while coordinating a tennis convention in Miami, FL for Prince Manufacturing, he met his future wife, Yolanda Raven; a veteran of ten Broadway shows, and an accomplished international Model, known as Raven.    Continuing his career as a Sports Agent, he moved to Advantage International  in Washington, DC, then IMG, where he was Vice President of Racquet Sports, where he remained until the early 1900s.  After managing athletes to include, Andre Agassi, Zena Garrison, Vince Carter and Paul Anacone, Mr. Shelton was asked to focus his efforts solely on Agassi Inc. in Las Vegas, NV.  He remained with Agassi, Inc., until 1994 when he opened Bill Shelton & Associates, Inc in Alexandria, Va. 

  Mr. Shelton was a pioneer of Sports Management. He was the first African-American Sports Agent to manage world class tennis athletes.  He was not only a manager and advisor for the best in the world but was a coach, mentor and friend for both young and seasoned athletes, including Arthur Ashe.  He was oftentimes sought out for simple guidance and direction.  He not only cared about the athlete’s immediate career posture but was equally concerned about their future professional lives, after having reached their pinnacle in sports.  After years of visiting and enjoying the Amelia Island, Bausch and Lomb Tournaments, Mr. Shelton and his wife, Raven, made their home here in 2004.  He enjoyed fine dining, good wine and was an invited quest at many Restaurant openings around the world.

Mr. Shelton leaves behind his wife, best friend and companion of 32 years,  Raven, their son, Jeffrey A. Shelton, Manhatten, New York City, NY.  In Atlanta, three sisters, Anna, Rosolind and Claudette. In Columbia, SC, cousins Vickie and Pamela Williams as well as Henry DaVault, Ella and James Williams. and numerous cousins,nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

The Bill Shelton Fund

 to continue his work in mentoring youth aspiring to careers in sports and the performing arts.

The memorial will be held on Amelia Island, in Florida, Saturday
 May 7, 2011.  Detailed info can be obtained at the Oxley-Heard website below.

Please share his life story at www.oxleyheard.com

OXLEY – HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS