Gary Collier Shelby

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Gary Collier Shelby, a devoted father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, on November 5, 2026. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 29, 1947, followed in sixty seconds by his beloved twin sister.[1.1] Gary lived a life full of love, wisdom, and service, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know him.

Gary was the beloved son of the late Tolbert Cheek Shelby and Grace D'Armond Knight. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and Violet Shelby, the mother of his children. He is survived by his two devoted daughters, Samantha Shelby and Tabitha Holly Shelby, who were the pride and joy of his life. Gary was also the adoring grandfather to five grandchildren, including Savannah Moon Younes, Hailey Abeille Raine Goldstein, Lilly Shelby-Shirley, Cleyera Shelby-Shirley, and Amaryllis Shelby-Shirley, to whom he is known as Pa. Although he had no great-grandchildren, his legacy will continue through his family, his devoted friends, and the countless students he inspired. Gary is also survived by his older brother, Tolbert Glen Shelby, and his beloved twin sister[2.1], Grace Shelby Thomas. He has three nieces and two nephews, and one niece who predeceased him.

Gary graduated from Shades Valley High School in Birmingham in 1965. Inspired after falling in love with the study of science and the natural world, he went on to earn a double major in Physics and Chemistry from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, in 1969. He persevered further in his studies to earn a Master’s Degree and an Associate of Arts Degree from Greenville Technical College.

As a teacher, Gary was deeply motivated by students who shared his adoration for science. Over his career, he inspired and mentored countless young minds at Chelsea High School, Homewood High School, Altamont School in Birmingham, and Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He often remembered with fondness his time as an instructor in Raleigh, excited to teach the higher-level concepts that inspired him so many years before. He formally retired from teaching in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity and knowledge, but never stopped teaching his children and grandchildren, and all who would listen.

Gary was deeply proud of his achievements in the Boy Scouts of America, where he became an Eagle Scout, earning 28 merit badges. This prestigious honor was a testament to his dedication and commitment to service—a foundation that remained with him throughout his life. His name is engraved at the Greater Alabama Council Boy Scouts of America Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

As with science, Gary was drawn to the great outdoors and found peace and joy in nature. After his retirement, he took to hiking the Appalachian Trail, which he almost completed from beginning to end with his faithful rubber duckies handing off his pack. On one of these very hikes, through the Cherokee National Forest, he stopped in Shady Valley, where he would later return to build his beloved home. Throughout his life, he was a prolific woodworker, crafting masterpieces from wood and wicker. Family and friends alike admired and cherished his handcrafted Nantucket Baskets, bowls, wine coolers, and bassinets. He successfully participated in the annual Lake Waccamaw swim in NC three years in a row, with spotters being his daughter Samantha and his twin sister Grace, and cheered on by his family. Gary was most at home amid the beauty of the natural world. After finally moving to Shady Valley, Gary dutifully cared for his dear friends Daryl Brinkley and Lydia Lewis in their final years of life. In recent years, he could often be found fishing or working the land with his close, beloved friend Louie Santiago. In the wilderness that surrounded him, Gary waited with childlike joy every spring for the baby bunnies and baby bears to emerge from hibernation. He was a great lover of animals and cultivated his land for God and his family. Gary worked with tireless dedication to build a warm, inviting home for his entire family in his small orchard amidst the mountains.

Gary was remembered by all as a man who never met a stranger. His genuine kindness, willingness to help others, and ability to repair anything made him a true friend and confidant. His selflessness and generosity were hallmarks of his character, and his warm spirit touched everyone he encountered. He always put others first, especially his daughters and nieces when they needed help with anything. The list of those he helped, before his own needs, is endless.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Birmingham Chapter, or the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, in honor of Gary's legacy of service and love for children.

Gary's departure leaves us all with a space in our hearts and lives that can never be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy of kindness and the cultivation of his beloved land are carried forth by his children, grandchildren, and friends. May he rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and cherished.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 1pm - 2pm. A celebration of Gary's life will follow at 2pm. He will be buried with his family at Birmingham's historic Elmwood Cemetery.