Clarksville judge celebrates 40 years on the bench, scholarship established in his name

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)-  Montgomery County Judge Wayne Shelton was recognized by the judicial and political community this week to celebrate a milestone.

Judge Shelton, who was appointed as Montgomery County’s General Sessions and Juvenile Court Div. II. by Gov. Lamar Alexander on July 1, 1979, celebrates 40 years on the bench.

He is the longest-serving judge in the state of Tennesse. For his professional excellence over the past four decades, he was recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Juvenile Judges Association.

Thursday, Oct. 24,  a surprise celebration was held at Edward’s Steakhouse to celebrate both Judge Shelton’s 74th birthday and his accomplishments.

Approximately, 90 people gathered including state and local officials.  Governor Bill Lee and U.S. Congressman Mark Green were among those who drafted proclamations in honor of Judge Shelton’s achievements.

City Mayor Joe Pitts and County Mayor Jim Durrett as well as City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem David Allen, County Commissioner Larry Rocconi, and Representatives Curtis Johnson and Jason A. Hodges were among attendees as well as many from the legal community.

“We had a tremendous amount of help to recognize (Judge Shelton), and it was a night of truly honoring someone who deserves it,” said David W. Shelton, his son.  “We were able to give appreciation to someone who has really served the county and community very well.”

To mark his milestone, the Family of Judge Wayne Shelton established the Hon.W.C. Shelton Scholarship,  an Austin Peay State University scholarship for students majoring in special education or political science.

The scholarship is especially personal for the family, because  Shelton’s youngest child, William Isaac Shelton, has Down’s Syndrome. William works at Edward’s Steakhouse where the special celebration was held.

The scholarship is intended for those that will work with people like William and help them achieve success in life,  David Shelton said.

“When you have an individual like Will, there are so many people who have helped him to be who he is from the school system to the amazing people at Progressive Directions, Inc,” David Shelton said. “When the idea came to do a scholarship it clicked. It’s an amazing thing. We wanted to honor excellence in education.”

In one night, approximately $5,000 was contributed to the new scholarship fund.