Amory – Shelby Dell Carter, 82, started his new life in Heaven on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Born on March 21, 1939, in Amory, MS, he was the son of the late Delray Carter and Jimmie Ritter Carter.
Shelby grew up with his sister in Monroe County. He graduated from Hatley High School in 1957 and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from MSU in 1963. Shortly after graduating, he married the love of his life and best friend, Janet Cheek. Together they were blessed with many years of a happy marriage and a wonderful family. He went to work at Atlas Truck and Body and eventually worked for Vista where he was employed for over 38 years. He was a great provider who retired at age 62 to enjoy the rest of his life doing things with his family and friends.
He was a humble, gentle man who loved the Lord and didn’t mind telling others about the Gospel. Shelby was a member of Aberdeen First Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon in the church, sang in the choir, went on Church Mission Trips, and he served in Jail ministries with Bro. Leslie Sullivan. Shelby was always positive, non-confrontational, and he always believed in and saw the best of others. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need and his kind reassuring words always made others feel the love of Christ.
In his free time, he loved watching westerns on tv, and doing anything that involved the outdoors. He liked to go fishing, camping with family, bird watching, and taking long walks in nature where God’s beautiful creations surrounded him. He also had a green thumb and liked to garden and plant blueberry bushes and various trees. An outdoor enthusiast, he was a Charter Member of the National Rifle Association.
Above all, Shelby loved the Lord and his family and they will always treasure the time he spent with them through the years. A humble gentle soul, he impacted so many lives with his kind words and deeds. His loved ones have no doubt that he is with his Savior in total peace.
Shelby is survived by his sister, Donna C. Riley (Mike), Amory; sister-in-laws, Phyllis Morgan (Joe Hal) and Charlotte Pearson (Loyd); nieces and nephews, Melanie Stark (Matt), Luke Riley (Heather), Ben Riley (Katharine),Jennifer Riley, Scott Morgan (Jennie), Jennifer Kessler (Frank), and Jodi McCrimon (Dan); several great nieces and nephews, Riley and Anna Brooke Stark; Thomas Riley; Nora Kate and Emmie Riley; Stuart Morgan; Carson and Addison Kessler; Ben and Juliana McCrimon, several close friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet Cheek.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2PM on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory with Bro. James Clardy and Bro. Leslie Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Matt Stark, Luke Riley, Ben Riley, Scott Morgan, Frank Kessler, and Dan McCrimon.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 1PM until the service hour at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to Aberdeen First Baptist Church, 310 West Commerce Street, Aberdeen, MS 39730.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome