Person:Shelby Harris (1)

In Memory of Shelby Harris March 31, 1901 - July 25, 2012 Obituary

Shelby Harris, 111, of Rock Island, IL, the oldest man in Illinois, oldest man in the United States, & 3rd oldest man in the world passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the Rock Island Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Funeral Services will be at 12:00 noon on August 1, 2012 at the Second Baptist Church Rock Island, IL. Visitation is 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island. Memorials may be made to the Second Baptist Church. Condolences may be left at www.hodgsonfuneralhome.com.

Shelby Harris was born March 31, 1901 the youngest of 7 children born to William & Alice Harris. He was born & grew up in a small southern Indiana town called Ayrshire. In his youth he worked in the area coal mines until he moved to Clinton, Indiana. He later relocated to East Moline, IL and worked at the Union Malleable (which became the John Deere foundry). Mr. Harris served in the US Army during WWII and had worked at the "Dutch Inn", downtown rock Island until it closed. Mr. Harris was married to Jimmie Moore who preceded him in death in 1977.

Mr. Harris, Deacon Shelby, Uncle Shelby, or Uncle Shelfy as he was lovingly called, was a member & Deacon of the Second Baptist Church for over 65 years and was active until he was 102 years old. He went into the Rock Island Nursing & Rehab Center at the age of 105 years. On June 1, 2012, he became the oldest man to have been born in Indiana. In June of 2012 he was crowned the 1st King of the Juneteenth Festival in Davenport (an African American Celebration).

Shelby had 5 grandchildren, several great & great – great grand children, his church family and other friends & family whom he leaves behind to remember him. He was proud to be an American and was very thankful to have seen the first black president in the White House.

Survivors include his grandchildren ... and several great grandchildren.

Shelby was preceded in death by his parents, 2 daughters, wives, 4 brothers & 2 sisters.

The family would like to thank the staff of the R.I. Nursing & Rehab Center for the love they showed in the care provided to Shelby. He was dad, grandpa, the god-father, and many other loving names nicknames to all of them that served him and got to know him, they too were his family. We thank God for all of you.

Source: Hodgson Funeral Home View the life of Shelby with photos and music

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 United States. National Archives and Records Administration (ARC # 1263923). World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946. (2002).

   Name: Shelby Harris
   Birth Year: 1901
   Race: Negro, citizen (Black)
   Nativity State or Country: Indiana
   State of Residence: Illinois
   County or City: Rock Island
   Enlistment Date: 8 Sep 1942
   Enlistment State: Illinois
   Enlistment City: Chicago
   Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
   Branch Code: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
   Grade: Private
   Grade Code: Private
   Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
   Component: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
   Source: Civil Life
   Education: Grammar school
   Civil Occupation: Semiskilled furnacemen, smelters, and pourers
   Marital Status: Separated, with dependents
   Height: 70
   Weight: 134

2. ↑ United States. Bureau of the Census. 15th census, 1930. Illinois, 1930 federal census: population schedules ; NARA microfilm publication T626. (Washington, District of Columbia: Bureau of the Census Micro-Film Laboratory, 199-?).

   Census Place: East Moline, Rock Island, Illinois; Roll: 552; Page: 17B; Enumeration District: 18; Image: 360.0; FHL microfilm: 2340287.

3. ↑ United States. Bureau of the Census. 14th census, 1920. Indiana, 1920 federal census : soundex and population schedules. (Washington [District of Columbia]: The National Archives, 193-?).

   Census Place: Patoka, Pike, Indiana; Roll: T625_460; Page: 15A; Enumeration District: 41; Image: 482.

4. ↑ United States. Bureau of the Census. 13th census, 1910. Indiana, 1910 federal census : population schedules. (Washington, District of Columbia: National Archives and Records Administration, 19--?).

   Census Place: Patoka, Pike, Indiana; Roll: T624_374; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0038; Image: 680; FHL microfilm: 1374387.