Mr. Curly Shelby, after 73 seasons of life, transitioned to Eternal Rest on Thursday morning, February 18, 2021 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Curly Jay Shelby was born on August 16, 1947 in Ralls, TX to Cecil and Bessie Mae (Williams) Shelby. He graduated from Ralls High School. On December 18, 1971 he married Reola (Frazier) Shelby.

He continued his education at Oklahoma State Tech and Tulsa Community College. Curly worked at Rural Electric Cooperatives (REC), TulPro, Tulsa Job Corp and later in Healthcare (New Leaf and Gatesways) until his death. He had a passion for drawing, gardening, fishing, and hunting.
Curly attended Macedonia Baptist Church under Rev. Charles Jeffery, Jr. and served as Sunday School Superintendent and Brotherhood.

Curly was preceded in death by his father Cecil, mother Bessie Mae, two brothers Robert and Isaiah Shelby.He is survived by his wife Reola, six children, Tracy (Virgil) Thomas of Olathe KS, Randy Shelby of Tulsa, OK, Kathryn Shelby of Beggs, OK, Joyce (Diamond) Green of Tulsa, OK, Randy (Jenny) Wright of Minnesota, and Alice Wright of Tulsa, OK. His two brothers Pat (Lynda) Shelby of Lubbock, Tx and Edward Shelby of Midland, Tx. Eight grandchildren Virgil and Taran Thomas, Brooklyn Watkins, Keona Shelby, Marissa Lewis, Caden and Roman Wright, and Lauryn Cottrell, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Service and viewing will be held on Friday February 26, 2021 at Keith Biglow Funeral Chapel. Viewing will be 1p-3p, with service starting after viewing. Flowers may be sent to Keith Biglow Funeral Directors 1601 North Wood Dr., Okmulgee, OK 74447

You may visit Mr. Shelby in the Chapel of Peace of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., of Okmulgee on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.  A Service of Remembrance will commence at 3:00 PM, with his Pastor, Reverend Judson Fields, Presiding.

He will be cremated following his service.