Michael Fairbanks Shelby

Michael Fairbanks Shelby began life as an imposing person, 8 lbs: 3 ozs., born in the Red Cross Hospital in Louisville, KY on November 11, 1950, to very happy parents, John W. Shelby and Juanita Fairbanks Shelby.
On Monday, March 27, 2023, The Death Angel was summoned by God to return to himself M.F. Shelby, one who possessed a very unique way of service in God's Vineyard, as he lay peacefully sleeping in his home. No doubt the heavenly record listed his name as M.F. Shelby.
Michael began his Church activities at age four as a member of the Buds of Promise Choir of Hughlett Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. He was avid about the varied duties in Cub Scouts. He became a member of the 10th Street YMCA and was a strong contender with Ping Pong. His YMCA activities led him to succeed Cassius Clay in receiving the "Boy of the Year" Award. Michael relocated to Cedarville, OH with his parents and was enrolled in the Cedarville Public School system. He began as a Band member then switched off to play tight end with the football team.
Michael very early found that one labors to have personal money to facilitate one's needs and lifestyle. So, it was at age twelve that he, without parental permission, was hired by Mr. Porter to help 'slop' his hogs. His mother learned of the employment when he returned home with an unusual fragrance. He began to work with his Dad and quickly learned the rudiments of Janitorial business from all angles.
Days after graduation, Michael was inducted into the Army. His whole tour of duty was in Korea. His MO was Truck Driver, but landed a job as the Colonel's Clerk as he was the only person in the group with typing and secretarial skills. All of this tended to broaden his scope of work ethics immensely. Upon his return to the states, he was employed in his father's Dry Cleaner Business. Shelby's work history has been very interesting to his family and friends as every job in his children's history has been in management. They used this to try and clarify his rather 'commanding' mannerisms. His work career continued as the first black Operations Manager of the Green County Transit System, onto Housekeeping Supervisor at Greene Memorial Hospital, Work Supervisor for Chess Janitorial Service, Supervisor, Kenway Chemical Company, Louisville, Ky, Facilities Manager at both Wilberforce and Central State Universities. In preparation for doing a par excellent job he earned certificates in Supervision at Clark Technical College, Custodial Staffing and Standards, Clemson University, Coursework in Business Management, Spaulding College, Advanced Mechanics, Greene Joint Vocational School, Fifteen Passenger Van Training, Central State University, Motivation Management and Lead Team Padgett Thompson and Workplace Violence Training, The St. Paul Companies. He became a dedicated and sought after driver for the Xenia Adult Recreation Center where he completed his final work detail in the entire month of February 2023, ended by failing health.
Some twenty-five years ago he married Ruth Viola Bronston of Springfield, OH and they resided in the same house until Death them did part. He made every effort to uphold his vows and care for his spouse as he felt a husband ought to.
Shelby was a founding member of a Motorcycle Club called the 'Dog Squad'. He drove a Purple Motorcycle while flashing his 20/20 insignia.
It was unusual but Shelby had several primary passions. All of them were individually responsible for igniting a different form of creativity . He was a ratified car enthusiast. He began leaving a heavy car imprint in 1972. Upon arrival home from his honorable Army discharge he purchased a 72' Dodge Charger, red with a Black vinyl top. Shelby had an uncanny passion and knack for making whatever brand car he purchased distinctive and fully his design, under the hood and the body. His choice ownership was his 1995 white CTS Cadillac. Cruising perhaps "½" MPH above the speed limit while listening to cool Jazz was euphoric for Shelby until . . . he hit a wide-open highway that appeared void of troopers. The dual-tone exhaust system made the nicest rumble in this part of the country. Another primary passion deserves the name of 'Plant Horticulturist. When he began to amass years in age and felt like hoeing and digging were a problem being on his agenda, he decided to grow indoor and outdoor plants only. He visited Good Wills and Thrift Stores and had a keen eye for beautiful 'Va-a-ahses' and every now and then a vase or two. His front yard in view of 'Sanford and Son' one year he put up a Sign, M.F. and daughters. When inclement weather came Ruthie indulged his having 46 to 40 plants in their living room which resembled a take from the classy Burns Florist.
Another quiet, but effective passion was Michael's unapparelled love for helping people. He was what his friend called an 'Uncertified Missionary & Counsellor'. He has counselled many, he would go out of his way to mentor and care for folk with varied needs all of his life. His giftedness in this area was inconceivable. This was a trait he exemplified from early childhood. During grade school he would defend his buddies from the school bully. He taught his friend Leland who talked trash that he couldn't back up how to fight. He promised to whip Leland the next time he had to fight his battle. He carried out his threat and tried to convince his mother he had done what was right. The family and almost anybody else who ever played with, worked with, rode with, or whatever, will admit he was always adroitly in the driver's seat. He drove right up to his last days. We, members of his family, and many others were delighted to have him as chauffeur for us. We sort of learned that he, without fanfare, exemplified Godly servanthood here on earth.
Michael fully lived the word "family" in several dimensions, and he practiced fatherhood in the apex form. He leaves a strong legacy as a compassionate and caring husband to Ruth Viola Shelby, a son of indescribable joy to J. Fairbanks Leach; a treasured brother to his sister Rhonda Marie Shelby; a loving and doting, 'contact daily' Dad to Jillian Shelby, Tianna Shelby, Latoya Jackson, Mia Alexander, Takoya Porter, Melody Johnson, Isa Thomas, and Christopher Davis. His devoted grandchildren are Kirsten Rice, Andre' Grundy, Akeliah Adams, Trinity Brown, Jerriah Davis Terrel Washington, Tre Porter, and Christopher Davis, Jr. and Dennis Bronston (Bria, Lexi, Turner Grady) Demica Williams (Bryan), Tahira Jackson, Kevin Jackson. Grandchildren Lejohn, Olivia, Bria, Lexi, Turner, Grady, and Jameson. Our loss is indefinable but, we all are determined to keep the 'torch' bright that he burned brightly with and for us.
Fonetta Jones, to whom Michael referred to as his little sister, is due a big thank you and many blessings for having stuck with him generously throughout his illness. Others to whom much appreciation is due are Dr. Nanda at Soin Medical Center, Dr. Ji at the James Cancer Clinic, and Arlene Crochran who drove him to the many medical appointments in Columbus, OH and gave him needed moral support. Deep appreciation is due To Hospice of Dayton, OH.
We will forever realize the strong impact made by this man called M.F. Shelby, 'Mike' to special friends and Mr. Shelby to others. A caring and protective husband. He was virtually peerless as a son. A man always with a purposeful and no nonsense meaning of family for his daughters and their family. He provided attention infused with love in his teaching and 'supervison' for each of his children and grands, his precious 'Mother Dear'.


Michael's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.