Richard McBryde Shelby

Richard Shelby, 65, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, at a local hospital with his wife, Cara, at his side. He was a native of Florence, Alabama and resident of Fairhope, Alabama.

Richard was a proud Auburn University graduate. This is where he met his wife, with whom he became the extraordinarily proud father of five sons and one daughter. He spent his career in wireless communications sales, but his impact on people is his legacy.

Richard was a large presence, literally and figuratively, in the lives of all who knew him, and worked to keep in close contact with high school and college friends. He will definitely leave a void in the lives of his many friends and family.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, William Edwin Shelby and Jerelyn Wright Shelby. He is survived by his wife Cara; sons, Matt (Jennifer), Brett (fiancé Alli Phillips), Jordan (Bailey), Michael (fiancé Maddie Jackson) and Christopher; his daughter, Emily; his grandchildren, John Pridgen, Allie Shelby, Matthew Shelby, Reese Shelby and Noah Shelby; and one brother, Edwin Shelby.

Richard's favorite way to spend his time was with his family. Nothing made him happier. He was greatly loved as the head of the Shelby Clan.

His funeral will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 370 South Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama, on Friday October 17, 2025. A rosary will be prayed in the St. Lawrence Room at 9:30AM with a visitation from 10-11AM. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11AM in the church. Lunch will be served in the St. Lawrence room after. All are welcome to join the family.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Richard's memory, the family invites friends to make contributions to AUTLIVE, a cause devoted to helping cancer patients and their families, and founded by former Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl. Donations may be made online through the Bruce Pearl Family Foundation at https://jacquipearl.givecloud.co/give

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.