Robert Lyndol “Buddy” Shelby, 87, of Lowes, KY, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Baptist Health-Paducah.
Buddy was born in Wingo, KY on April 9, 1931 to William Hubert Shelby and Ethel Alberta Smith Shelby. Attending Cuba schools during his early years, he graduated from Lowes High School where he drove the bus during his senior year. Buddy joined the United States Navy in 1951 and was stationed in Long Beach, California. Serving aboard the USS Manchester, he saw tours in Tokyo and Korea. Buddy and Rita Frances Pennebaker married in Long Beach, CA on January 20, 1953. Together, they enjoyed 46 years of marriage. After his honorable discharge, his family relocated to Lowes, KY. There, he began studies at Paducah Junior College where he attained a B.S. degree. He also began his forty-three year career at Cole Lumber during that time, retiring in 1996. Buddy was a longtime member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Lowes. He was an avid quail and deer hunter and enjoyed following Kentucky basketball.
Surviving are his children, Steve (Dionne) Shelby of West Paducah, Mark W. (Patti) Shelby of Chattanooga, TN, and Laura Lynne Shelby (Michael) West of Lowes; grandchildren, Lauren Shelby of Mayfield, Abigail Shelby and Isabel Shelby both of West Paducah, Breanne (Jordan) Barham of Athens, TN, Payton Shelby of Chattanooga, Madilynne West and Landon West both of Lowes, Austin West of Benton, and Amber (Adam) Mathis of Hickory; two great-grandchildren, Albany O’Neill and Elias Mathis; brother, James “Jimmy” (Carolyn) Shelby of Mayfield; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Biscuit.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Rita Shelby; brother, Ray Harned; sister, Sue Wright; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Tim Ivey officiating. Burial will follow at Lowes Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Friday evening at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Buddy’s home health nurse, Kate Clark, for her outstanding care.
Contributions may be made to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Youth Fund, P.O. Box 58, Lowes, KY 42061.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
