Monte Joe Shelley (1947-2025) passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, in Griffin, Ga. He was born in Hot Springs, Ark., to the late Conard and Eleanor Parker Shelley.
Monte is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ruth Barron Shelley; three children, Michael (wife Kathy, son Jon-Michael, and daughter, Kaity); Jennifer (partner Michael); and Stefanie (daughter Ally and husband Kelly Reagan); and siblings, Sally Shelley and Jeff Shelley (wife Karen); and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother, Tim Shelley.
Monte graduated high school from Wheaton Academy (Ill.) and pursued Biblical studies at Akron (Ohio) Bible College. He met his wife, Ruth, in 1966; they married in 1967.
Monte was a devoted and loving family man. After starting a family in Wheaton, Ill., they moved to Ft. Myers, Fla. to help support and care for his in-laws. Several years later, Monte and Ruth moved to the West Palm Beach area to be closer to their daughter, Stefanie, and granddaughter, Ally. In 2013, they moved to Lebanon, Mo., to help support and care for his parents. Finally, in 2021, they moved to Griffin, Ga. to be near his son and family.
An avid runner, Monte participated in many road races (Peachtree Road Race and Gasparilla Classic), marathons, and triathlons. He shared his passion for running by coaching the Track & Field team at his children’s high school, Evangelical Christian School (Ft. Myers, Fla.). Monte also loved horses, eventually getting his own (Cowboy), which he shared with his granddaughter Ally.
Monte could always be found on the sidelines, in the stands, whenever his children and family needed him, cheering them on and supporting them. Monte’s unwavering love, compassion, generosity, and faith will be remembered every day. Taken too soon, Monte will be sorely missed and will remain forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be Monday, June 16, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin, Ga., followed by a service in the chapel. Pastor Stan Berrong, the Shelley’s former pastor in Florida and retired senior pastor of Glen Haven Baptist Church in McDonough, Ga., will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Track & Field team at Evangelical Christian School at 8237 Beacon Blvd, Ft. Myers, Fla. 33907 or to NewLife Radio, PO Box 2020, Griffin, Ga. 30224.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell
“...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Road, Griffin, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
Please join the family and friends of Monte in honoring his life by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories.
