David Shelby was born on December 23, 1948, to Earl and Rosemary Shelby in El Dorado, Arkansas, and passed away on May 7, 2026, in Monroe, Louisiana, surrounded by his family.

On July 8, 1972, David married the love of his life, Kay Peppers Shelby, beginning a marriage that spanned 53 years. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, friendship, and deep love. David often said that the best thing they ever did was adopting their children, Jacob and Anna, a decision that brought him immense joy and pride throughout his life.

David was a member of First Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was baptized at the age of 8 and rededicated his faith four years later, carrying those values with him throughout his life.

David graduated from El Dorado High School in 1966 and went on to attend Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated with a degree in Business in 1972. During his time at Louisiana Tech, he played on the university’s golf team and developed a lifelong love of the sport. For a year, he served as a golf professional at the El Dorado Golf and Country Club in El Dorado, Arkansas.

A businessman and entrepreneur, David owned and operated his own Allstate agency for 36 years alongside his best friend, Robert Perkins. Working together every day was one of the great joys of his life, and the two built not only a successful business, but a lifelong friendship.

David had a great appetite for life and rarely met a stranger. He was known for his sharp wit, quick humor, and ability to always have a clever retort ready. He loved conversation and storytelling, and many great hours were spent sitting on his porch listening to the birds, waving at passing friends, and welcoming visitors to stop and chat awhile.

He deeply valued friendship and shared many meaningful years hunting at the Hilsboro Hunting Club with family and friends, fishing alongside his best friend Robert Perkins, and attending Louisiana Tech football games. An avid golfer, outdoorsman, and gardener, David found joy in growing tomatoes, peppers, and flowers and simply being outside enjoying nature.

A lifelong artist and craftsman, David was always tinkering with a new project. He enjoyed drawing, painting, leatherworking, crafting handmade knives and handles, and building World War II model kits. He was also an avid history enthusiast who participated in reenactments across the South with close friends and could spend hours discussing historic battles and fascinating stories with anyone willing to listen.

Music was another great love in David’s life. From Motown and classic rock to oldies and everything in between, he appreciated all genres and always had music playing nearby.

David was also the family grill master and loved cooking for the people he cared about. Many evenings were spent grilling outside with music playing nearby, sharing meals, laughter, and stories with friends and family. Known to cut a rug in the kitchen while cooking, he brought joy and energy into even the simplest moments, and he loved sharing good food with the people he cared about.

One of David’s favorite companions was his beloved dachshund, Tootie. The two spent countless hours together in the yard, listening to music, gardening, and enjoying the quiet moments of everyday life.

David will be remembered for his big personality, creativity, humor, and the way he made people feel welcome wherever he went. He cared deeply for his family and friends and brought warmth, laughter, and stories everywhere he went. Though he had many accomplishments throughout his life, nothing brought him greater pride than being a husband, father, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Rosemary Shelby; his in-laws, Pat and Wynola Peppers; and his brother, Cliff Shelby.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kay Peppers Shelby; his children, Jacob Shelby and Anna Shelby-Grier and husband Jesse Grier; his nephew, Blake Shelby and wife Olivia Shelby, and their daughters, Sydney Smith and husband Cole Smith, and Cassidy Stephenson and husband Hayden Stephenson; his niece, Shea Smalling and husband Alex Smalling, and their sons, Tanner Wyatt and wife Nicole Wyatt and their son, Jase Wyatt, along with Grayson Smalling and Reed Smalling.

There will be no formal service or visitation. The family will hold a private gathering at a later date.

For those who wish to honor David’s life and memory, donations may be made to White’s Ferry Road: One Kingdom, 3201 N. 7th Street, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.