Barney Ray Shelby

Barney Ray Shelby, 77, of Pine Bluff, (Hardin Community), Arkansas, died May 12, 2012, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born January 13, 1935, in Piggott, Arkansas, to Rece and Johnie Ashcraft Shelby. He was reared and educated in Hardin. As a young child he was baptized at Hardin Baptist Church. Ray served in the United States Air Force. He had worked at Coca-Cola and went on to become a master plumber before becoming owner and operator of Ray Shelby Plumbing. He was a past member of Davis Hunting Club and a current member of Herring Hunting Club. Ray enjoyed turkey hunting, deer hunting, fishing, planting a garden and playing dominoes. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Katherine Cherry Shelby of 52 years; sons, Tony Shelby (Cheryl) of Springdale; Michael "Mike" Shelby (Donna) of Redfield; daughters, Rhonda Batson, Julia Shelby (Andrew) of Benton, Aimee Duke (Larry) of Greenbrier; grandchildren, Amanda Beckham, Jacob Shelby, Race Shelby, Katherine Shelby, Thor Shelby, Tristan Gregory, River Gregory, Drew Shelby, Shelby Rae Duke; great-grandchildren, Brianna Beckham, Cooper Shelby; a sister, Louise Bradshaw of Pine Bluff. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Robinson's. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Jimmy Herring Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.