NC builder, wine industry pioneer dies at 86 – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — Charlie Shelton, a founder of one of North Carolina’s largest construction companies and a leader in the development of the state’s wine industry, died Jan. 22 at age 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, according to media reports.

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Shelton, with brother Ed, built several construction businesses, including Blue Ridge Enterprises, Fortis Homes and Shelco Inc. After moving Shelco to Charlotte from Winston-Salem in the early 1990s, the company grew into a regional power, building the Hearst Tower, Ballantyne Commons and Three Wachovia Center, among others. The brothers launched Shelton Vineyards in 1999 near the Surry County town of Dobson, 90 miles north of Charlotte.

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(Watch the video below: Visiting Veronet Vineyards in Kings Mountain)