Harvey "Eddie" Edward Sheldrake Jr.

age of 98 — just a few free throws shy of 100. Eddie lived a big life, built on humble beginnings, fueled by grit, wit, and boundless curiosity. He was an athlete, entrepreneur, Navy veteran, and the proud father of eight. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, a sharp mind for business, and a deep love for family, friends, tennis, fishing, and the island of Hawaii. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eddie graduated from Washington High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the time of World War II — though just before he was set to deploy, the war ended. The same thing happened again before what would have been his second deployment, when the Korean War came to a close. He liked to joke that he ended two wars because they were scared to see him coming. After the Navy, Eddie attended UCLA where he became a standout basketball player under the legendary John Wooden, with whom he maintained a warm relationship for many years. A fiery guard, team captain, and record-holder, Eddie was later inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame. He remained a lifelong supporter of and proud donor to UCLA Athletics — a true Bruin through and through. He once quipped that his real claim to fame, however, was being Marilyn Monroe’s milkman — bragging that he saw her more than the Kennedys allegedly did. While still a student at UCLA, Eddie launched one of his first ventures — a business called Sheldrake Chow Car (or Chow Wagon), delivering sodas, sandwiches, snacks, and even hot meals to fraternities and sororities around campus in the evenings. Ever resourceful, he used charcoal ignited on the burners of his kitchen stove to keep the food warm during deliveries. He designed two heavy custom-made boxes, connected in a way that allowed him to sling a rope over his shoulders and balance the load as he hauled them up fraternity house staircases. As demand grew, Eddie began hiring help and eventually sold the business to a fellow student. Around the same time, he also served as the campus’s official distributor for Acme Beer Co. — proving early on that Eddie knew how to spot an opportunity and turn it into a hustle. Although Eddie earned a degree in education, he discovered teaching wasn’t quite his calling — he chose instead to carve out a path on his own terms, as a salesman and entrepreneur. Eddie believed success should be based on effort, instinct, and a good idea — not just what was printed on a diploma. After graduating from UCLA, Eddie worked for Edgemar Dairy in Santa Monica, where he became deeply involved in the company’s egg division. Edgemar processed farm-fresh eggs and distributed them to grocery stores and restaurants across California and Nevada. Whether or not he officially held the title, Eddie was at the heart of the operation — involved in just about every part of the business, from farm to delivery. But Eddie’s real hustle started when he began making a living as a manufacturer’s rep for American of Martinsville, a North Carolina furniture company. His showroom was in downtown Los Angeles at the historic Furniture Mart, but most of his work happened on the road — hustling through Southern California and Arizona with a station wagon packed to the brim with fabric samples. For well over 30 years, he was always on the move, building relationships and closing deals. That hustle is what helped fund the many big ideas he brought to life. In 1965, Eddie and his younger brother Donald opened the first free-standing Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in California. What started as a single KFC in Belmont Shore grew into a thriving enterprise. In 1968, they founded Polly’s Pies — a warm, welcoming restaurant rooted in family, tradition, great food, and, of course, great pie. Over the decades, Polly’s Inc. grew into a beloved Southern California institution, with locations throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire — a true cornerstone of the region’s dining scene. Eddie was the big idea man — a visionary with a sharp marketing mind, plenty of moxie, and an endless creative spark. He could tell you why raising menu prices by a penny was either brilliant or ruinous, and was legendary for offering unsolicited advice to anyone running a business or operation, often beginning with his signature phrase: “You know what you should do…” In the 1970s, the company bought a ranch and he spent years involved with Calavo and Sunkist, as well as what can be considered a charitable donation to the cattle business. It was there that friends, family, and associates had the chance to experience ranch life and make lasting memories in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. He served on the board of Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins School of Hospitality and was a respected voice among KFC franchisees and fellow restaurateurs. His leadership extended to national circles as a member of the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, the KFC Chef’s Council, and the brand’s Advertising Board. Never one to stay quiet, Eddie spoke up for what he believed in — often championing the little guy and pushing back when he felt corporate power overstepped. Eddie had a lifelong belief in education, fairness, and giving people a chance — especially the team members of Polly’s Inc., whom he championed and supported in their personal and professional growth. All in all, Eddie was a good guy who helped a lot of people and, truth be told, pissed a lot of people off. “Happy Birthday.” If you know, you know.

He was preceded in death by his first love and wife, Lois Adelle Sheldrake; his parents, Harvey Edward Sheldrake and Helen Lee “Sheldrake” De Bell; his wife, Tommy Jean Sheldrake; his grandson, Ryan Anthony DeSimone; and his sister, Carol Jean Mall. Eddie is survived by his eight children; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; his loyal secretary and personal assistant of over 50 years, Maria Stenner; and his beloved partner of the last two decades, Julia Robinson, along with her children and grandchildren.

Eddie was laid to rest alongside many of his loved ones at Inglewood Park Cemetery. A memorial service is scheduled at First United Methodist Church in Fullerton, 114 N Pomona Ave, at 2 pm on July 19.

In his memory, the family encourages you to support a charity of your choice that helps those in need — an act of generosity he’d quietly admire, right before telling you how to improve your business… or fix your free throw.

Eddie shown in three life-important shirts: his UCLA basketball jersey; a Polly’s Inc. “work” shirt; and a shirt in memory of many happy days on the Big Island.