Shelby Ray Gaither

Shelby Ray Gaither obituary, Malvern, AR

Shelby Ray Gaither

Shelby Gaither Obituary

Visit the Atkinson Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Shelby Ray Gaither departed August 27, 2025. He was born in 1955 to Carroll Ray Gaither and Lillian Joan Gaither in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He is preceded in death by both parents, sister Joetta Jackson, son Michael Ray Gaither, Bobby Harold Efird, Alice Ruth Tillery, and William Lynn Efird.

He is survived by Mary Evelyn Efird Gaither (Wife), Michelle Renee Gaither-McClain (daughter), Craig Robert McClain (son-in-law), John Gaither (brother) Lela Gaither (sister-in-law) Keith Jackson (brother-in-law), Floyce Lee (sister-in-law), Lisa Efird (sister-in-law), Janet Efird (sister-in-law), Kathy Crow (sister-in-law), Tim Efird (brother-in-law), and numerous nieces, nephews, honorary children and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29th from 6pm-8pm At Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern, Arkansas. Graveside services at 10am Saturday, August 30 at Forest Hills Cemetery, Alexander Ar. 10201 Highway 5 North Alexander.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Atkinson Funeral Home

126 East 2nd Street, Malvern, AR 72104

Make a Donation
in Shelby Gaither's name

How to support Shelby's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Shelby Gaither's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more