LCDR Lawrence T. Shelby

February 12, 1935 - September 16, 2019

Lawrence Talbert “Larry” Shelby passed away at his home on Monday September 16, 2019. Larry is survived by his wife Harriet (Keller) Shelby, three sons Tad Shelby of Santa Cruz, CA, Ray Shelby of Apex, N.C. and Mark Drumwright of Eureka, IL. He also leaves a brother Ed Shelby of Austin TX and five grandchildren Sydney, Shelby, Carlyn, John and Matthew. Larry was born February 12, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. At two years of age, he moved to Memphis where he attended elementary school and Central High School. In 1955, Larry entered Mississippi State University. Later, he joined the Navy Aviation Cadet program and was commissioned in 1959. He obtained a B.S. degree in Math at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. During Larry’s 20-year career with the Navy, he held many positions. He served as weapons officer on the carrier USS Ranger. He flew C-2 Carrier on Board Delivery to Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. His specialty was anit-submarine warfare, flying P5M seaplanes and P3 Orion out of Japan and Hawaii. Following Larry’s retirement from the Navy in 1977, he continued his love of learning and attended Memphis State University, obtaining a major in accounting. In 1980, he married Harriet, moved to Ripley, and worked as an accountant at Tennessee Electroplating and Ag Center. Finally, Larry was able to enjoy his love of golf, fishing, reading, and enjoying his family. Larry’s love for God, his family, and his country was evident in his everyday life. Visitation will be Thursday September 19, 2019 at Ripley First United Methodist Church beginning at 12pm until service time at 2pm. Services for Larry will begin at 2pm with Rev. Lora Jean Gowan, Dr. Bill Northcott and David Elkins officiating. Family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Ripley First United Methodist Church 145 South Main St. Ripley TN 38063, American Cancer Society www.cancer.org or the donor’s choice.