Rudolph E. Shelley

Rudolph E. Shelley, age 90, of Troy, died Friday, December 16, 2011 in Troy. Services will be held Sunday, December 18, 2011 from the First Baptist Church in Troy at 2 p.m. with Dr. Luke Lane officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hills Cemetery with Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Troy.

Mr. Shelley was born and raised in rural Henry County near what is now known as Tumbleton. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as a gunner on a B17 Bomber in WWII as well as an Infantryman in the Korean Conflict. Mr. Shelley served over 35 years in the Army and National Guard and retired as a Colonel. After he and his wife, Robbie, moved to Troy, he was active in several businesses, including working as the distributor for the Standard Oil Company for many years. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Troy, the Troy Rotary Club, and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for many years.

Survivors include his daughters, Wendy Shelley Ford of Troy and Jane Shelley of Troy; grandchildren, Robert Hunter Ford Jr. (Audra), Brannon Sykes Ford (Kimberly), Anna Shelley Ford, Amy Charlotte Ford; great grandchildren, Joanna Morgan Ford, Mason Hunter Ford, Robert Hunter Ford III, Sophia DeAnne Ford, Brannon Sykes Ford, Jr.; brothers, Reuben S. Shelley (June) and Harry Kenneth Shelley (Peggy); sister, Sandra Patricia S. Bundrick (Mike); and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Mr. Shelley was preceded in death by his wife, Robbie B. Shelley; his parents, Reuben S. and Lula Kate Hamm Shelley; a brother, Raymond Shelley; and a sister, Louise S. Walden.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his dedicated caregiver, Dot Green, the nurses and staff of Hall C at Troy Health and Rehabilitation, and the staff of Hospice Advantage of Alabama. The Baraca Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church of Troy will serve as honorary pallbearers. To sign the online guest book, visit www.dillardfh.com.