Charlie Shelley

Charlie Lee Shelley, 85, of Hillsboro passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016, in Waco. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at the funeral home.

Charlie Lee Shelley was born December 6, 1930 near Whitney Texas. He was the son of William Arthur (Bud) Shelley and Annie Rebecca Wallace Simmons Shelley. Charlie was the 5th son of Bud & Annie. He married Doris Ruth Wooten March 24, 1951 in Whitney, Texas. Charlie’s name “Lee” was for his mother Annie’s cousin, Theodore Lee Worley. Charlie was a Baptist uniting with Prairie Valley Church at about 14 years of age. He was baptized in the Bosque River. He was ordained as a deacon with First Baptist Church of Bynum, Texas. Charlie went to Prairie Valley Schools, then attended Whitney High School and graduated in 1948. Charlie played baseball and basketball at Whitney High school. However, his love was the Future Farmers of America. He was awarded the highest degree (American Farmer) in Kansas City in 1951, and was the seventh recipient at Whitney High under Ag teacher J.M. (Farmer) Brown. He had a love for farming and cattle. Charlie worked for Shannon Farms at Prairie Valley and then W.R. Gollihar Polled Hereford Ranch near Whitney Texas. Charlie showed many prize winning cattle while working for Gollihar. He also attained his own herd of Registered Polled Hereford cattle while employed by Gollihar. He and Doris purchased their ranch in the Mountain Springs area near Hillsboro in 1959. Many of their registered cattle won top honors at major livestock shows in Texas and the United States. All 3 children showed his cattle and were often blue ribbon winners at Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, & Fort Worth. He was always there helping & cheering them on. They have many stories to share about their experiences.

Charlie was active in various cattle associations. He served as President of the Central Texas Polled Hereford Assoc, as well as director. He and Doris were instrumental in the formation of the Texas Junior Polled Hereford Assoc. April 1968 in Hillsboro. He served as the first Area 1 Advisor for TJPHA. In the 1980's his CDS ranch hosted a cattle field day, well over 150 people attended. Senator Phil Graham was the key note speaker. Charlie worked closely with the Hill County Extension service and on various committees. He served as a 4H adult leader many years. Charlie served his country in the US Army 1954-1955, was a member of the Hillsboro Rotary club for several years and director of the Files Valley Water coop. He owned and operated a Humble-Esso-Exxon service station in Hillsboro for over 28 years. He was one of the first businesses to open on the I-35 bypass of downtown Hillsboro. He loved the many people who worked for him as well as his customers. Some of his former employees continued on to become doctors, lawyers, and successful business people. He retired from service station business in 1991. He continued to maintain his ranch at that time. Charlie had rubbed shoulders with the rich, the famous, and the ordinary folks. He was always Charlie and felt no awe of who ever he met.

To the care givers, a special thanks to Ella, Phillis & Beverly. Charlie was preceded in death by his five brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Shelley of Hillsboro; three children, daughters, Carolyn and husband Kenneth Hill, Pennie and husband Edward Sumrall, son, Jason Shelley and friend Tommy Shores; grandchildren; Dr. Keri and husband Robert Jones, Amanda and husband Cooper Terrill, Hanna Sumrall, Courtlynn Moore; Great grandchildren, Allie Moore, Adison Jones, Asher Jones; A number of nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bynum, P.O. Box 86 Bynum, Texas 76631.