Mr. Robert L. Shelby Sr.

Mr. Robert Lee Shelby Sr. passed peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in Pinson, Tennessee. Born on June 24, 1938, in Savannah, Tennessee. Robert led a life defined by service, entrepreneurship, and dedication.
He served proudly in the United States Army as a Tank Crewman, a meaningful chapter that took him around the world and remained a source of lifelong pride. Following his military service, Robert relocated to Detroit, Michigan where he began a career at Chrysler Corporation. Robert later moved to Lowell, Michigan where he began a career at The Kent County Sheriffs Department in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making this a retirement career, retiring in 1998 moving to Pinson, Tennessee.
He took his favorite quote with him, "When did you get out"? This became a family joke.
In retirement Robert built his home by hand as he was very skilled in building and working with his hands embracing his new beginning. It was in Pinson, Tennessee that he met Dorothy Betts. They married on June 21, 2008, and shared a deep and lasting bond.
Affectionately known as "Tomcat," Robert was an astute businessman. In the early 1970's, he became a property owner in Michigan and later sold fine Women's Clothing and Fancy Hats throughout Jackson, Tennessee and would mail them as well. A skilled Chef with a passion for cooking he enjoyed sharing his creations. He published a cookbook filled with family recipes as well as some of his favorites. Robert had a love for fine cars and fashion. He was an avid bowler for many years. He enjoyed fishing, growing beautiful flowers, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Especially his loyal and dedicated companion, his dog Peewee.
He was preceded in death by his parents Julia Marie Dixon and Robert Lee Arnett; his sister Mary Jean Thompson; and dear cousins Emma Bell Anderson and Grace Kelly.
Robert leaves to cherish his memory of his loving and devoted wife of 17 years, Dorothy Shelby, his loving children Robert Lee (Kelar) Shelby Jr., Sandy (Vance) Poindexter, Elizabeth Shelby, Eric (Valerie) Shelby, and bonus daughter Pranati Copeland. Grandchildren Robert Lee III, Kiarra Shelby, Lajla Pervan, Shelby Poindexter, Jalen Copeland and Patrick Staten, his sister Lindell Irvin, and a host of family and friends.