Wiley Edward Shelby

Wiley E. Shelby "America's Papaw", age 100 of Knoxville, Tennessee left this Earthly plane and entered into thru the Gates of Heaven on Saturday morning, October 17, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side. Reverend Shelby was a member of West Side Baptist Church, a 32nd Degree Mason in the Charles H. Mckinney Masonic Lodge 433. Wiley was a longtime member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 102 and the writer of two books in his later years. Wiley was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II. Reverend Shelby was preceded in death by his beloved wife of seventy-two years and the mother of his children, Imogene Charlotte Shelby; son, George Edward Shelby of Helfin, AL; daughter-in-law, Becky Shelby.  Wiley is survived by his wife of the last two years, Ruth Laurel Shelby, who lovingly cared for him and loved him dearly. Children, Charles E. (Faye) Shelby, Gary L. Shelby, Stephen V. (Charlotte) Shelby, Michael R. (Lesley) Shelby and C. Dwayne (Chasity) Shelby. Grandchildren, Brandon Shelby, Mandy Keener, Meghan Cheatham, Natalie Newsome, Michael Shannon Shelby, Emily Clemmons, Michael Scott Campbell, Kari Calfee, Jeffrey Blake Fowler, Kimbery Shelby, Mark Shelby, Melissa Shelby, Kevin Shelby and Karen Shelby, Tony Shelby, Connie Shelby, Dennis Shelby, Lynn Shelby, Robert Shelby, Christopher Shelby, Stephanie Owensby and Jennifer Henry; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. The Shelby family would like to express their deepest affection to the Johansen family for giving us Ruth for the last ten years in our blessed and blended family. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to West Side Baptist Church, 1524 Vermont Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921 or to the Eternal Vision Ministry, P.O. Box 70628, Knoxville, TN 37938 in Reverend Wiley Shelby's memory. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel with full Masonic Service beginning at 6:45 PM. The funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM with Reverend Josh Greene officiating. Family and friends will meet by 10:45 AM Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Highland South Memorial Gardens, Chapman Highway for an 11:00 AM interment service. Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel is honored to serve the family of Reverend Wiley E. Shelby. Online condolences may be sent to www.mynattfh.com.