Dr. Robert Litton died April 15, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born in Shelby to Lura Smith and Farley Benton Litton on June 29, 1930. He lost both parents at an early age and grew up in the home of his aunt, Mrs. Herbert Toms. After graduating from Shelby High School he entered UNC where he was on the track and tennis teams. Following graduation from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and an oral surgery internship, came two years with the U.S. Army Medical Corp at Ft. Benning Georgia.

In 1957, Dr. Litton returned to Shelby to begin a thirty-five year practice of dentistry. He always tried to give his patients the best possible care. They were his friends, and he truly cared about them. Dr. Litton served the dental profession in many ways, including a year as president of the North Carolina Dental Society.

Dr. Litton was an enthusiastic supporter of the community. He served as chairman of the Shelby Parks and Recreation Board Commission, was on the Shelby School Board for twelve years, served on the Cleveland Community College Board, the board of the Cleveland County Homes for Children, and the Cleveland County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was a charter member of the adult chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Cleveland County, and was a member of the Sports Hall of Fame for forty-nine years. Also, he was the coach of the first Shelby Swim Team.

First Baptist Church of Shelby has been his church home since he enrolled in the Cradle Roll Department as a toddler. Dr. Litton has served this church and his God in many ways throughout the years.

Dr. Litton approached life with a positive attitude, and worked hard to do everything in the best way. He love and appreciated his family, friends, and co-workers.

Dr. Litton is survived by his wife of almost sixty-two years, Margaret Easom Litton; daughter Lu Litton Griffin ( Alan) of Valdese; son Robert Benton Litton, Jr ( Joy) of Charlotte; daughter Margaret Litton ( Jamie Jones) of Charlotte; four grandchildren; Sarah Griffin, Ivey Griffin, Betsy Litton, Ben Litton.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 120 North Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150; or The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Box 83 Shelby, NC 28151.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday April, 17 2016 at 2p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Shelby. The family will receive friends following the service in the Ladies Parlor.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com