Everett Shealy

James Everett Shealy died of esophageal cancer at Grace Home, Shreveport, on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011. He was 84. His wife, Merle Bellue Shealy, and his parents, Lucille Till Shealy and Carey Shealy, preceded him in death. A native of Hazlehurst, Miss., he lived the last 52 years of his life in Baton Rouge. His professional life was spent in the trucking business. He was a long-distance truck operator for several years with Edward Hyman Trucking Co. of California. For more than 30 years, he was co-owner of Dealers Wrecker Service, Baton Rouge. Eager to do his part in World War II, Mr. Shealy joined the U.S. Navy in the final months of the war and served as a medical corpsman. He was a gifted teller of stories and jokes, a hard worker, modest, a good neighbor and a mentor to dozens of friends and relatives who shared his love of well-crafted sporting weapons. Mr. Shealy is survived by his two children, Fancy Keeth, of Benton, and Juanie Noland, of Fairhope, Ala.; brother, Randy Shealy, of Hazlehurst, Miss.; grandchildren, Tim Noland, Betsy Scallan and C.J. Keeth; and great-grandchildren, Bishop and Liam Noland. The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Lucy Grove, R.N., and Julie Brown, R.N., for the care they provided Mr. Shealy in his final days. The family also wishes to thank the devoted staff of Grace Home. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of choice would be appreciated. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service in the chapel at 3 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Steve C. Munsell. A private family interment service will follow.