Accountant, Graphic Artist, DJ was community stalwart
OBITUARY
November 23, 1950 — August 9, 2021
Shelton Leonard Moore was an offensive lineman both on the field and in life. The habits of analysis, loyalty, perseverance, flexibility that he developed as a star football player sustained him through a long and varied career that saw him move from accountant to construction executive to computer geek to graphic artist, always with a respect for himself and his surroundings.
His characteristic quiet demeanor, modesty, and understated humor were housed in his robust physique. His barrel chest fronted a strong back on a sturdy foundation. You had no trouble comprehending his starring role at offensive tackle in high school and college.
Shelton was born on a wintry Thanksgiving Day — November 23, 1950 — to Lawrence Moore Jr. and Arlene (née Harris) Moore. He was baptized at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church around the age of 13. He attended Woodland Elementary, Patrick Henry Junior High, and graduated from Glenville HS in 1969. Shelton was an outstanding athlete as well as a scholar at Glenville and was featured in local newspapers as a promising prospect for numerous colleges.
He made the decision to attend Wittenberg University, becoming a rock on the offensive line and co-captain of the football team. Diligent and reliable both on and off the field, Shelton served as president of Concerned Black Students and Blue Key organizations, and secretary of the school’s Human Relations Committee. He was also
He earned a degree in economics in 1973.
Shelton married Tara Dorsey in August 1974, and their union gave birth to his daughter, Theresa Elaine Moore.
He later married Jennifer Lloyd in 1983 to that union was born Quenton Leonard James Moore.
After graduating from Wittenberg, Shelton returned home to work for the Big Eight accounting firm of Ernst and Ernst as an auditor. He then moved on to work for White Motor Credit Corporation, traveling extensively to various locations to perform audits.
Shelton eventually accepted a position as accountant/comptroller with Minority Steel Erectors, Inc., an up-and-coming construction company. The company aided in the construction of the BP Building on Public Square. During that time, Shelton brought his sister Linda Elder aboard as office manager. The company grew and underwent a reorganization and Shelton became partner under North Shore Ironway, Inc. After a final company reorganization, the company was known as Complete Metal Contracting and Supply, Inc. until 1994.
By this time Shelton had become fascinated with the world of computers, software development, and graphic design. Self-taught in computer technology, he immersed himself in the latest in technology and computer design. Along with his friend B. Joseph Nelson, Shelton became an integral part of an inseparable duo offering computer sales, repair, and network installations. Operating as The Nelson Group, he and Joe became known as the “Computer Gurus”.
Shelton began to specialize in desktop publishing and graphics, developing a reputation as a perfectionist when it came to his graphic designs. He later worked as an instructor teaching young and old how to use software, set up web sites and perform basic troubleshooting.
Reading and music were two of Shelton’s passions. He had a substantial library of cultural, technical and philosophical works. He was also an avid music lover with a vast library of music for all cultures. He was a well-known DJ in the Cleveland Area as DJ Thunder operating as Precision Digital Services. Combining his computer savvy with his love of music, his distinctive style of music programming became legendary. You knew you were going to party if Shelton was the DJ.
Shelton became a graduate member of the Zeta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 1986, as part of the Octagon line. He was a charter member of The Black Professional Association, and in the early eighties served as chairman of its affiliate and successor, the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation. He was also a member of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the Cleveland Business League, and most recently a board member of the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation.
Shelton inherited a strong work ethic and loved to mentor young men, women, boys and girls, always encouraging them to excel. He spent almost a decade working at Thea Bowman Center, where he managed their IT and network operations, and provided computer instruction for multi-generational classes.
Former city councilman Kenneth Lumpkin was a friend of Shelton’s since their Glenville days. He valued Shelton for his strength of character and his consistent personality. “He was one of the few people whose personality remained as it was in high school. He was somebody you could always count on.”
Shelton contracted the covid-19 virus in November and entered Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He battled the illness long and hard as he moved to long term acute care and eventually to Heather Hill nursing facility. He died August 9 at Geauga County University Hospital.
Shelton is survived by his wife, Jennifer Lloyd Moore; daughter Theresa Moore (Jean Downing), son Quenton Moore (G’Naun Haymon), grandchildren, Taylor Moore and Au’Ryah Moore; brothers Larry Moore, Lamont Moore and Timothy Moore; sister Linda Elder (William); bonus children Aesha Blue, Clarence Kilburn III, and Henry Kilburn (Kathia), father figure Lonnie Harris, stepmother Gertha Moore and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Service
The funeral service will be today, Wednesday August 18 at 11:00 AM at St Peters A.M.E. Zion Church, 14101 Bartlett Ave [44120]. A family hour will precede the service at 10:30AM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rogers Funeral Service, 8608 Quincy Ave. [44106 • 216.541.4242].
The service will be livestreamed here.
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