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.