Robert Elgin Shelley

ROBERT ELGIN SHELLEY, was born September 22, 1946 in Orange, Texas and passed away, July 26, 2006 in Houston. Robert graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1964, where he lettered in football. Robert attended Blinn Junior College and the University of Texas at Austin. His love of the sport led him into refereeing high school football in the Austin area. After college, he worked as an independent contractor with the Houston Chronicle for many years. He was an avid coin and stamp collector who was well known and respected for his research, especially his studies on the Civil War revenue stamps inside the Smithsonian Institute Archives. In his later years, he was well-loved by his customers while tending bar and managing Stick's Billiards and later Jim's Ice House. Robert loved to travel and always enjoyed hearing and telling jokes...some good, some groaners. In 1967 he married Gretchen Williams and together they had a son, Rhea Shelley. Robert and Gretchen lived in Austin, and Angleton. In 1981 Robert moved to the Houston area where he lived until the time of his death. Even with many health issues, Robert always remained in good spirits, continuing to tell his favorite jokes to everyone he met. Robert is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rhea and Ellen Shelley of Austin, his former wife, Gretchen Williams of Austin, Brady, his dearly loved Oriental Shorthair cat, and many friends, all of whom are saddened by his passing. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard Bowers Shelley, his mother, Mary Penn Bowers Shelley, and his father, Dexter Shelley. A celebration of Robert's life will be held on August 5, 2006 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the home of Ruth Kane, 2704 Thrushwood Drive, Austin. Anyone who knew Robert is invited to share in this remembrance.