Shelby Lee Fillingim Sr.

Shelby Lee Fillingim, Sr., of Woodstock, Georgia passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, 2023. He was born in Baker County Georgia on March 14, 1934 to the late Abner and Mervyn Fillingim. He graduated from Geneva County High School in Hartford, Alabama in 1952. After graduation he moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he worked as a Sales Clerk in a hardware store and attended Birmingham Business College and studied Accounting. He then worked as a Payroll Clerk and Cashier at Merchants Cigar and Candy Company. In 1953 he entered the United States Navy, and completed Boot Camp in San Diego, California. He was then assigned on Staff of the Commander of the Seventh Fleet for two years in the Far East. He was then transferred back to San Diego, California to attend Yeoman School. He finished first in his class of 40, and chose to serve two years of shore duty in Yokosuka, Japan. He was discharged from the U.S. Navy as a Yeoman 1 st Class in September 1957. He attended the University of Alabama for three and one-half years and then worked for the Woolworth Company for two years as Assistant Store Manager in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama. He then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked in Real Estate with Sinclair Refining Company. He then enrolled at Georgia State University and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. While working in the Oil Industry he was transferred to Wilmington, Delaware where he spent seven years, and was then transferred to Cleveland, Ohio where he spent seven and one-half years. In 1986 he returned to his home in Atlanta, Georgia and retired in 1996 after spending 32 years in the Oil Industry. He enjoyed camping during the summers with his wife, children, brother and nephews and nieces on the lakes of Georgia and South Carolina. After retirement he enjoyed spending time on the lakes bass fishing and working in his yard. He was an accomplished fisherman and gardener, and took pride in all that he did. Shelby was married to his wife Linda for 56 years and had six children, twelve grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, and his brothers Russell, Jimmy, and Bill. He is survived by his wife Linda, his brother Carl Denny (Helen), of Cumming, Georgia; son Shelby L. Fillingim, Jr. of High Springs, Florida; daughters Kathleen Rewis (Randy), of Batesville, Arkansas, Barbara Lynn Collins (Marc), of Lakeland, Florida; son John R. Fillingim (Julie), of Tampa, Florida; daughters Julia Ann Fillingim (Betty), of Orlando, Florida, Jennifer Diane Crowe (Justin), of Canton, Georgia, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family dearly and through his actions was a testament to what it means to show true love to his family. The family will be holding a private service to honor his life.

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Shelby Lee Fillingim Sr.

March 14, 1934 - November 16, 2023