A stalwart brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Eddie Lee Shelby was born to Cleveland and Lillie Shelby on July 15, 1945. He was born, bred and grew to early adulthood on the communal streets of Jasper, Texas.

Eddie received his primary and secondary education in Jasper public schools. Education and knowledge were important to Eddie. He thrived in the academic arena. As a student he was apt, persistent and focused. He graduated valedictorian of the J. H. Rowe class of 1963. Prairie,View A&M University, the alma mater of many Jasperites, was also Eddie's. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in history. As an outstanding scholar at Prairie View, he was selected to attend summer school at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Upon graduation he began a Master's program at Ohio State University. However, the Viet Nam War draft intervened and he decided to join the U.S. Navy.

After serving honorably in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years, Eddie retired from service. He delighted in recalling the exotic places he visited and unusual people he met. An avid collector, he was always sending boxes home containing mementos from his travels. He remained an avid bic-a-brac collector until his health failed.

Early in his adolescence Eddie united with Mount Olive Baptist Church under the Christian guidance of Rev. N. P. Johnson. Upon retiring and resettling in his hometown, he reunited with Mount Olive under the leadership of Rev. John D. Hardin. Willing worker comes to mind in describing Eddie's Christian service at Mt. Olive. He served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School teacher, member of the Senior Choir and Male Chorus. Also, he worked in the summer food service program. Due to failing health, Eddie joined Dixie Baptist Church to be assisted by his brother, Cleveland and sister–in-law, Carrie.

As all of God's children, Eddie will be missed. He leaves to remember his life and spirit, brother, Percy Forward, brother, Cleveland Shelby Jr. (Carrie), brother, Ronald Shelby, sisters, Rita Cummings and Ashleigh Rosette (Chris). Preceding him in death are his brother, Charles Forward and sister, Marie Forward Clark. A host of friends and relatives remain for Eddie to be etched in memory.