Ralph Eugene Shelby

Ralph Eugene Shelby, 87, died March 17, 2013 in Little Rock. He was born October 14, 1925 in Charleston, Arkansas to the late Hobart McKinley Shelby and Gussie Lee Shelby. He married the late Juanita Marie Floren on February 17, 1950 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is survived by his son, Dr. Gene Shelby and his wife, Farideh of Hot Springs; daughter, JoAnne Mills and her husband, John of Little Rock; daughter, Tina Shelby and her husband, Randy Cooper of New York City; grandchildren, Anne Marie Mills and Joshua Mills; sisters, Frances Teufel, Gladys Henningson, Annette Moore, Nadine Schramm and Neta Byrd, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ralph was raised on a farm near Charleston. He graduated from Charleston High School and served in the Navy during World War II from 1944-1946. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on board the USS El Dorado. He was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. He always had a big laugh and enthusiastic handshake. He worked for Pickens and Bond Construction Company for many years and then for Hope Brick Works until he retired. Ralph was a member of Christ Episcopal Church for over 50 years. There, he was on the Vestry and served as Junior and Senior Warden, Acolyte sponsor and usher. He was a founding member of Central Arkansas Big Brothers. He delivered Meals on Wheels. He belonged to Masonic Lodge 411 and was a member of the Order of the Jesters. Ralph's favorite pastime was being involved in the Democratic Party of Arkansas. He was a faithful volunteer for many campaigns as well as President of the Senior Democrats of Arkansas. He proudly served as a Sargent of Arms for the Arkansas Senate for many years. He was appointed by then Governor Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. Visitation will be Thursday, March 21 from 1-2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. The Rev. Scott Walters will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott St., Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mr. Shelby's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.