Joe Shelby King

Obituary

Joe Shelby King, 72, a Native son of Waco, died at his farm on March 2, 2025, with the love of his life, Jeri, by his side. Shelby was a Rascal, a Rebel, a Pirate, an Adventurer, and definitely an original whose memory will bring a smile and a “Shelby story” to anyone lucky enough to have ever met him. He was a veteran, a Master Mason, a Motorcycle lover and enthusiast, a prolific skier, and a world traveler who never missed a chance to live life to the fullest.
There will be no Funeral per his wishes, but a celebration will be held on April 5, 2025, at Karem Shrine Temple, 400 Karem Cir, Waco, TX 76712, at 2:00 PM. Bring your favorite framed Shelby photo, or a piece of "Shelby memorabilia". Please go to www.online-tribute.com/ShelbyKing
Shelby was born on September 8, 1952, to Joanne Hicks Comer and Ray Comer (who died in the Waco Tornado when he was 8 months old). JoAnn remarried Bertram E. King, who adopted him, his Brother Marc, and his sister Debbie, and they went on to have his sister Virginia and Brother Bert (Spider) King. His Brother Marc, nephew Eddie King and his parents and Grandparents preceded him in death.
Shelby graduated from Richfield High School in 1970 and attended Baylor University. He then Served in the US Army in Korea. He Traveled the world as a crane operator on a Texas A&M research vessel and later operated Waco Crane Service with his partner Jimmy Barnes.
Shelby is survived by his wife, Jeri Jennings King; sister, Debbie Ballard; sister, Virginia Avant (husband Michael); Brother, Bert(Spider) King; three stepchildren, Reagan, Luke, and Victoria; grandkids, Nyla and Nash; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends of all walks of life and all parts of the world.

Smooth Sailing Shel.

Til We Meet Again.

Gallery

Memory wall

March 22, 2025

Godspeed my friend

Scooterjay

March 19, 2025

Indeed he was a rascal, a rebel and a pirate!
Shelby was a lot of fun and there was never a dull moment when he was present!
See you amongst the stars JSK!

Randi Clark

March 18, 2025

I’ve known Shelby for most of my life. With my dad and him being such good friends for so long I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time down there at his place in Waco with him. The man lived life to the fullest and had one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known. He left such an impression with anyone fortunate enough to have met him and they were better for it. Love you Shelby. Thank you for the memories, life lessons, and for always being there. Hasta luego my friend, I’ll see you on the other side.

Emmanuel Gabler

March 17, 2025

My wife ,& I have known Shelby & his wonderful wife Jeri for many years . We were over the moon when they tied the knot ! We were fortunate to have spent many special occasions & fun just hanging out with them . Being around Shelby was always a trip. Sail on sailor we love you.

Jeff Murry & Cynthia Moore Murry

March 17, 2025

Dear Jeri:
We loved Shelby. He was so much fun and an interesting person. Our prayers and condolences to you and your family. We re so glad we got to spend a little bit of time with you both in the last two years. May God bless you and keep you during your time of grief.
Love,
Bill & Jody Steakley

Bill & Jody Steakley

March 14, 2025

Sincere Condolences 💐
Sending Love, Hugs, and Prayers to Jeri, Victoria, Nyla, Nash, and Family.
We had the pleasure of meeting and being in the presence of Shelby a few times and that alone will last a lifetime. He was such an amazing person you could definitely count on for a good laugh and great entertainment for the kids. We are deeply saddened by the loss praying for peace and comfort over the entire family. Thank you for being a great Grandpa to Nyla. Tell my Brother and Dad we miss them. Fly High Shelby.

Julissa Vasquez

March 10, 2025

Celia Lightfoot

March 10, 2025

Shelby&gang @ 50’s wedding party

Celia

March 9, 2025

In July and August of 2018 Shelby and I drove from his house to the end of the road north in Alaska at Deadhorse on the Beaufort Sea. Trip of a lifetime never to be forgotten. Coldfoot was the last fuel stop. From the top of the world to out of this world, I'll see you when I get there Shelby. Clark Collins

Clark Collins

March 9, 2025

He was always just Shelby,to me.When I was about 8,he and Jeri,met,in high school,They went together through high school and Shelby was drafted,as so many of our young did.I remember being sad,when he went to the armed service...I had lost "a friend" .He gave me two English Racer,bicycles and he told me to "keep em for me",til he got back.He didn't know if he would,be back....but of course,he came back,.In this way,"he won his first war"!Shelby was a warrior,a fighter,a survivor,and a friend.Shelby was an honest "Man",in every sense of the word! He never met a stranger and he lived, the legend that he was.Later in life,he married my sister,Jeri (Jennings)King...the love of his life...I love Shelby,very much.That doesn't change.He will be missed and no one can fill his shoes,nor be compared to Shelby.If there was a mold,he broke it! And Shelby knew Jesus.

David Jennings

March 8, 2025

I’ve known Shelby for a long time. He’s legendary in some circles. His adventures could be a work of fiction- but they’re not-they are the real deal. For years I’ve thought of Shelby as the Coolest Dude I’ve ever known. I even told him that a few months ago. Shelby, you are one of a kind 😎

Din Blount

March 8, 2025

Big Shelby was my name sake and such a great father figure to me alongside my dad, Hal. Big Shelby blessed me with many fun adventures at the ranch and my first dog, a beautiful Rhodesian
Ridgeback that I named "Angel". He even gave me my first ever ride on a motorcycle! I will miss Big Shelby everyday, I hope to live such an adventurous life as he had before me. Much love to Jeri during this time

Shelby Ellsworth

March 8, 2025

For all who was fortunate to live breath and experience the many good times with this genuine rolling stone .the journeys were engraved in our memories let's not forget these genuine times of many generations of this loved man Joe Shelby .I've known Shelby since 1976 and was roommates with The old captain we used to race home Joe on bmw motorcycle me in 164 Volvo 5 speed down shoal Creek road with a entourage of cops racing 100 mph behind us in pouring rain when we reached our destination whoever arrived first got case of lone star beer which we told the cops they thought we were nuts and drove off .One night of fun led to a lifetime friendship with Joe Shelby I was the conservative member of our group and they called me gramps till this day .The Waco Kidd lives in all of us God bless my brother Joe Shelby King.

Hal Ellsworth

March 8, 2025

I have known Shelby since he was 9. We had some good times together with Andy Oxner and Jimmy Barnes. I loved his story of driving through Mexico in a jeep. Glad he survived. He was unique. We will miss and remember him. My last name is pronounced Peach and that is what he called me.

Robert Wayne Pietzsch

March 7, 2025

It was an experience beyond description to know Shelby. I am happy to have the fun and “ funny”memories of traveling with he and Jeri. While visiting at the Church, he always made me feel loved, welcomed and well entertained. Shelby and Jeri were never boring and were a dynamic team, a relationship for the ages. I am celebrating heavens gates welcoming this one of a kind soul to God’s Kingdom. Blessings to Jeri and family during your time of loss.
Sending love ❤️

Janet Patterson

March 7, 2025

Always loved my uncle Shelby dearly. He brought so much light and fun into the world. There’s a heck of a party in heaven right now. ❤️

Marjorie King Parker

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