William Michael Shelby

William Michael “Mike or Mickey” Shelby, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Mo. He was 76 years of age.

He was born on August 26, 1946, to the late William Jonas and Lala Frances Shelby (nee Scallion) in Piggott, Ark. He was a member of the Piggott High School class of 1963.

He had a full career of working on and around engines, and was a gear head at heart. He mainly worked on diesel marine engines throughout the years, even turning to designing the engines. Even after retiring, he returned to his roots, by working on tractors. His favorite was the John Deere G, so much so, that he even wrote a book and got his life’s work published on all of its inner workings.

He was preceded in death by his parents and both siblings. Mike was the beloved husband of Phyllis Diane Shelby (nee Waller, they were married for 56 years. Loving father of Daryl (Angela) Shelby, Daniel (Kelsey) Shelby and Samantha (Nathaniel) Morrison. Proud grandfather of Elijah, Chloe, and Cambrie Shelby, and Issac and Nadine Morrison.

Mike was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1956. He did move to different states throughout his lifetime, but always seemed to make his way back to Piggott. In lieu of flowers donations to http://www.jw.org are appreciated. Memorial service will be private and held at a later date.