Eddie J Shelby Jr., 81, of Richton Park, IL passed away on June 2, 2025 surrounded by his family while listening to his favorite jazz artist, Miles Davis.

Eddie was born on November 30, 1943 in Coahoma, Mississippi to Geneva Pillors and Eddie Shelby Sr. Eddie was brought to Chicago at age four by his father, where they lived with his father’s longtime partner, Myrtle, and her son, Charles. Eddie graduated from Westcott Vocational High School (now Simeon Career Academy). Just before his 20th birthday, Eddie enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Grand Forks, North Dakota, with his “Air Force buddies,” who became lifelong friends and often spent time together at their regular reunions. Eddie was deployed to Vietnam in 1966, where he served his country until his honorable discharge in 1967.

After his discharge, Eddie returned to Chicago and was blessed to be reunited with his mother and meet his eleven half-siblings with whom he formed many memorable and loving bonds. Eddie lived and worked in the Chicagoland area for many years. Perhaps his most memorable job was “Shelby of Shicago” or more commonly, the “t-shirt shop,” of which he was incredibly proud. The t-shirt shop built lasting memories for many of his family and friends who either worked there or visited.

The same year he returned to Chicago, Eddie met Kathleen Murray, whom he married on April 24, 1980. The two had one daughter, Sharday, from their union. Through this marriage, Eddie also gained another large family, the Murrays. He loved his in-laws and shared a particularly close relationship with Kathy’s parents (Bob and Shirley), grandmother, brother Tommy and sister Susie. He fondly shared memories of times spent with the Murrays and the many lessons he learned from Bob and Shirley.

Though they parted ways as spouses, Eddie and Kathy maintained a loving relationship with each other until the end, and the two gave their daughter the blessing of a stable, happy, and nurturing environment. Eddie was a wonderful father, who loved his daughter deeply. When Sharday married Brendan Jackson, Eddie was proud to have gained not just a son-in-law, but a son. He was overjoyed when he finally became Grandad to his two grandchildren, Colette and Xavier, whom he visited nearly every week and who loved “messin’ with” him during his final months when he lived with the family.

Eddie was a Christian who loved the Lord and read The Bible faithfully. He enjoyed basketball, having played for many years, especially in the Air Force. Particularly unforgettable is Eddie’s love of fishing, mostly in Kankakee, Illinois, which he referred to as “the Keys.” Pictures of some of his most precious catches were framed throughout his home, and he always had a “fish story” to tell.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents Eddie and Geneva, stepmother Myrtle, stepbrother Charles, and his brother (William). He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Sharday (Brendan), grandchildren Colette and Xavier, ex-wife Kathy, ten siblings Albert (Shirley), Arthur, Jerry, Johnny (Susan), and Edward (Laurice), Mae, Carlan, Louella, Shirley (Andre), and Jennifer, and the Murray family. He is fondly remembered by his longtime former partner, Kimberly Kelly, and her son, Anwaar, with whom he shared many meaningful and memorable years. His memory lives in the hearts of many other family, friends, and loved ones.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/eddie-shelby-jr/obituary/

Copy