Shelby Robert Lastinger

Shelby Robert Lastinger

Shelby Robert Lastinger was born December 15, 1926 to James and Ethel (McMullen) Lastinger. He grew up in Barwick, GA, the son of a farmer. He graduated from Barwick High school in 1943, and immediately joined the Navy during World War II, where he was a radio man until 1945. He then went on to graduate from the University of Georgia in 1951 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

He spent 15 years in soil conservation service in south Georgia. For 3 of those years he taught farm practices to veterans in Brookes County, GA. From 1962-1970, he was an Area Engineer in Tifton, GA. It was during this time he married and had 3 children.

In 1972, he moved to Lloyd, FL and for 35 years ran the small business, Lloyd Sod Farms, that landscaped many homes and businesses in the Tallahassee area, and where he met and made many friends.

He loved the South Georgia, North Florida area and one of his favorite things to do was to take a short day drive with his wife, visiting and picnicking at the St. Mark's Lighthouse, or the coast or just visiting the old farms and cemeteries in the country. He also loved watching his Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, cheering them on every year. He always had a small garden and grew a cane patch for his grandchildren to enjoy every Fall.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers James and Marshall Lastinger, and daughter Shella. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pennie (Willie) Lastinger and children, Eddie Lastinger and Celia (Tom) Sorensen. He has 6 grandchildren: Shelby Anne, John, Thomas, Malena, Maggie and David. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Roger) Blanchard, nephew Jim (Jean) Willie and niece Abbie (John) Martin, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There is no service planned, but the immediate family will gather at a later date to inter the ashes.