Obituary of Malcom Shelby

Malcolm Shelby, age 82 of Detroit, went to be with his Lord, Tuesday, May 5, 2009 in Legends Health Care Center, Paris. Mr. Shelby was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Nan Shelby; brothers, Jimmy and Ben Shelby; and a great grandson, Mathew White. Mr. Shelby was born March 21, 1927 in the Manchester Community to Addie William “Pat” and Lillie White Shelby. During WWII he was stationed in Connecticut where he met his wife of 67 years, Beverly Swain Shelby. After being discharged, he moved back to Manchester only to leave again and move back to Connecticut and marry Beverly. He worked 15 years as an inspector at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Company in Hartford Connecticut. During this time, his 3 children were born. In the Summer of 1964, the family packed up and moved back to Texas, settling in Detroit. Malcolm started his career with Babcock and Wilcox in Paris where he retired after 23 years of service as an overhead crane operator. Malcolm spent years as a voluntary fireman in Detroit. He was an avid lover of nice cars and trucks and enjoyed driving his vehicles in local parades, usually escorting the Homecoming Queen and occasionally the Mayor. After retirement he spent numerous hours in his woodworking shop making birdhouses and various other wooden knick-knacks. He also enjoyed keeping his yard manicured making sure each blade of grass was precisely cut the same length. He was a longtime member of the Martin Memorial United Methodist Church in Detroit. Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Detroit; daughters, Debbie Moreland and husband Mike of Paris, and Gale Roberson; son, Billy Shelby and wife Terrie of Detroit; grandchildren, Amy White and husband Kenneth White, Jimmy Moreland and wife Brittany, Brandon Shelby and wife Jennifer, Brett Shelby, Jennifer Lewis; great grandchildren, Katelyn and Blake White and Will Shelby; brothers, Jack and Glenn Shelby; sister Wanda Bailey. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 at the Martin Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Dennis Cates officiating. Burial will follow in Detroit Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Brandon and Brett Shelby, Jimmy and Mike Moreland, Kenneth White and Gary Shelby. Honorary Pallbearers are James Sprools, Jamie Miller Johnny McCoin, Harry Scoggins and Bobby Phifer. The family will receive friends Thursday night from 6 to 7 at Clarksville Funeral Home.