Richard Lee Shelby, age 71, of Jacksonville, went to Heaven Wednesday, June 24, 2020. He was born September 13, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Alfred Woodrow Shelby and his wife Clara Louise.  Richard married Patricia Jeanine Morris on June 19, 1970. He studied Pastoral Theology and Missions at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, and later extended those studies at Bethel Baptist College in Jacksonville, to receive a Bachelor's degree. Richard worked for 33 years as a civilian Equipment Manager at the Little Rock Air Force Base. He taught Sunday School at Bible Baptist Church in Jacksonville where he was a member for 42 years. He also taught at Bethel Baptist College, a ministry of Bible Baptist Church.

Richard enjoyed origami, fishing, and listening to Christian and classical music. He found humor in every aspect of life and was well known for his many jokes. Richard's greatest desire was to glorify his Lord Jesus Christ and to share the hope of the Gospel with the world.

Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Jeanine Shelby; his brother—James Page and his wife Joann; three sons—Richard W. Shelby of Jacksonville, Luke Shelby and his wife Tonya, Missionaries to Kenya, and David Shelby of Pea Ridge Arkansas; and seven grandchildren—Abigail and her husband Robert Cepec, Breanne, Caleb, Kay-Leigh, Adrianna, Marisa, and Brittany. He is preceded in death by his sisters—Phyllis Eakens and Teresa Bartlett.

A home going service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 29th, at the Bible Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Arkansas, with Pastor Mike Files officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 30th, at the Chapel Hill Memorial Park behind Moore's Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family has requested that any donations be made to the Bible Baptist Church.  Moore's Funeral Home is caring for the family of Richard Lee Shelby.