Freeman Shelby Sr.

Mr. Freeman Shelby Sr., a man with immense humor and wisdom passed away peacefully on May 22,2024, at the golden age of 93 years. He was born in Marvell, Arkansas on January 25, 1931, to the union of Rufus and Katie Mae Francis-Shelby. He was the second oldest of six siblings. Freeman excepted Christ at an early age in Marvell, Arkansas, where he was baptized.

He received his formal education within Marvell Public Schools. After graduating high school, Freeman went onto served in the United States Airforce. At the end of this journey, he received an honorable discharge. Freeman then decided to relocate to California and attend LA City College where he received his degree.

In 1954, he strolled into Narvo Grill Restaurant where he met a beautiful, radiant, elegant, young waitress. It was love at first sight, with Ms. Earney “Mae” Grayson. He married the love of his life in 1955. In 1969, they became homeowners in Compton, California, where they raised seven lovely children and enjoyed their 69 years of marriage.

In 2000, under the leadership of Bishops Levoie and Marie Trimble he joined Resurrection Life Center Foursquare Church, where he was baptized. He attended church and served in many ways, often his service went unknown. He provided refreshments for members after church, provided clothes for homeless men, and feed the youth as incentive to attend church.

Freeman was well diverse and had many hidden talents. His knowledge of politics kept many entertained, while at times ending in debate. He was extremely intelligent, with an extraordinary passion for math and engineering.

Freeman demonstrated a keen sense of work ethic. He retired from General Motors after thirty-three years of service as a mechanical engineer. Shortly after retirement, Freeman decided to join the team at Boeing Aircraft, as well as work part-time at Harry C. Buick.

During his spare time Freeman enjoyed cooking, fishing, and working on cars.

It was well within his retirement years that he discovered a new passion for chatting with friends and truckers while using CB radios. This also inspired him to become a member of the Hub City C.B. Chapter, where he was a member for 15 years. He traveled around the country within the club and participated in their jamborees. His handle was 931 and he was known locally as “Brown Bear”; his wife’s handle was 931 ½ who was affectionally known as “Lady Brown Bear”.

He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, and devoted friend to all who knew him. He loved and cherished his family and friends. He had a profound sense of humor, always had words of wisdom, and he could give you directions to anywhere (AKA a Human MapQuest). In his twilight years, he enjoyed watching television (westerns, weather channels, politics, and sports).

Freeman is preceded in death by his parents Rufus and Katie Shelby; siblings (brother Columbus Shelby and sisters Laura Jean and Lily Shelby); sons (Freeman Shelby Jr. and Larry Shelby), and daughter (Barbara Trimble - Gee). He leaves to cherish his memory: loving, caring and dedicated wife Earney “Mae” Shelby, siblings Robert Shelby and Almarie Quarles; children Jean Shelby-Cobb, Delores Shelby-Green, Alan Shelby, as well as eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, eleven great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Never forgetting the enormous amounts of friends that have crossed his path throughout his amazing life.