Billie Shelley

Billie Edgar Shelley went peacefully to be with the Lord on December 20, 2020. He was born on December 4, 1925, in Mullins, South Carolina, to Noah and Mary Shelley. His family celebrated his 95th birthday with him several weeks ago. His life was truly a blessing. Billie was reared on a farm outside Mullins, South Carolina, where he attended Mullins High School. Following graduation, he served in the Navy, and in 1948, graduated from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. He was an entrepreneur from a young age and owned Millwood Pharmacy in Columbia, SC, while he was still attending Pharmacy School. After several years in retail pharmacy, he moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to work with his classmate and friend from Pharmacy School, Jim Smith. He worked at J M Smith Corporation for 47 years where many of these years were spent serving as President of Smith Drug Company. He helped lead the J M Smith Corporation to its current position as one of the largest privately held companies in South Carolina. Billie Shelley was affectionately known to his family as "Daddy Bill" and even many of his friends called him by this name. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Peggy Spencer Shelley, and two brothers, Reese and J.P., and his sister, Venna Anderson. He is survived by his sister, Bonnie Heald. Also surviving are his two sons, Billie Edgar Shelley, Jr. (Elizabeth) and Jay Spencer Shelley (Deborah), as well as six grandchildren, Katherine Soloranzo, Lucy Boland, Laney Nix, Sarah Shelley, Spencer Plaisted and Jake Shelley, and eight great-grandchildren. Billie loved people and his friends were always a very important part of his life. He liked nothing better than having long conversations with friends about almost anything. During these conversations there was a lot of laughter and joking, but in a subtle way, Billie was offering advice and people listened to his Christian wisdom. For Billie Shelley, something was either wrong or right..........there were few gray areas in his world. He had a special place in his heart for Garden City Chapel where he served for many years as a Lifetime Trustee. He dreamed of the day when children from orphanages all over the country could "see the beach for the first time." He also loved sending children from these orphanages to Disney World. His many good deeds were quiet, but intentional, and he made a remarkable difference in the lives of his family and those who were the beneficiaries of his kindnesses and generosity. His was a life well lived and loved. He is already missed. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Garden City Chapel, 316 Dogwood Dr. North, Garden City Beach SC 29576 or the charity of your choice. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Billie Edgar Shelley please visit our Sympathy Store.