Billy Shelby

Billy Shelby, 85, of Bolivar, departed his earthly life on Tuesday morning, September 24th, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

A native of Somerville, he was the son of the late William Leland Shelby and Vera Mae Thompson Shelby.  On September 20, 1959, he married Patricia Ann DeFoor and their union lasted over 35 years until her passing on February 23, 1996.  On March 11, 1997, he wed Wanda Hendrix Smalley.  She departed this life on February 14, 2023 following almost 26 years of marriage.  Additionally, he was preceded in death by his two daughters, Melinda Shelby and Kerri Rainey.

Mr. Shelby was a retired supervisor from Memphis Light, Gas and Water.  A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, he attended Bolivar First Baptist Church and was a true and faithful friend to many.  He served his state and country in the Tennessee National Guard for 6 years from 1956-1962.  In his leisure time, Mr. Shelby enjoyed his days traveling around the states in his camper and scoping the aisles of Costco finding the largest boxes of sugary snacks for his great-grandchildren.

He leaves three grandchildren, Ashley Patrick, Blake Rainey and Courtney Cole; four great-grandchildren, Raylan and Henry Patrick and Juliana and Bradley Cole; and his son-in-law, Jeff Rainey.