Shelby Ray Gilley

A loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, author and entrepreneur, Shelby Ray Gilley died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, he was born in Rayville on Feb. 1, 1942. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Sunday, Jan. 31, was from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitation at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Monday, Feb. 1, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jerry Young, celebrant. He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Marie D'Agostino Gilley; three sons, Eric and wife Robin, Blair and wife Julie, and Barton; granddaughters, Regan and Madison Gilley; a brother, Gene Gilley and wife Margaret; a sister, Alice Breuer and husband Bruce; mother-in-law, Regar D'Agostino; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, R.J. D'Agostino and wife Odette, Vincent D'Agostino and wife Charlotte, and Charlie D'Agostino and wife Susan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Purvis and Lois Gilley. As a successful proprietor of Gilley's Gallery and a prominent purveyor of Louisiana art, Shelby has been most notably recognized as the foremost authority on the life and art of folk artist Clementine Hunter, and author of the book on her life, "Painting by Heart." Shelby had called Baton Rouge home for nearly 43 years and had been an esteemed member of the community. After graduating from Northeast Louisiana State College, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he moved to Baton Rouge to work as a social worker for Community Advancement and he became associate director of the Neighborhood Youth Corp. He and Marie opened Bridal Boutique in 1969 and then established Gilley's Gallery shortly after. As owner of historical St. Emma Plantation, which lies on Bayou Lafourche in Donaldsonville, he devoted many years to restoring it into its original Greek Revival architectural glory. His ardent and passionate love of art and Louisiana history and dedication to family and friends will without doubt remain the legacy of his life. He will without question be missed. Donations may be made to Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott Works of Mercy Trust Fund. P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or Hospice of Baton Rouge 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.