Shellie Joe Fomby, 84, of Vidor, Texas, passed from this life to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Beaumont from complications of COVID. Joe was born in Emmet Arkansas on March 2, 1938, to Shellie and Emma Fomby.
He graduated from Center High School with his beloved class of 1956. He lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He attended the University of Houston and Lamar University. In 1966 he began his banking career at Sabine Valley Savings and Loan as a bank teller and was quickly promoted to loan officer, appraiser, and vice president. He was also appointed to the board of directors.
He was an original founder of Shelby Savings Bank as president. Later he teamed up with Farmers State Bank where he retired after many years as vice president.
He served his community as Commissioner of Center Little League, President of Center Alumni Association, was elected Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Center Band Booster, president of the Center Noon Lions Club, served on the Center ISD School Board, Director of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
He was a faithful member of the Northside Church of Christ for many years until moving to Lake Murvual. He then served Northside Church of Christ in Carthage until he moved to Vidor. He served at North Main Church of Christ in Vidor until his passing.
Joe's smile will always be remembered as one of his greatest attributes.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor.
Family burial will be immediately following at White Rock Cemetery in Center.
Watson and Son Funeral Home of Center will host a visitation for all local friends and family Thursday, Feb. 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Per Joe’s request, donations may be made to the Roughrider Foundation in the name of Joe and Nell Fomby.
Mail your support to Roughrider Foundation, P.O. Box 152, Center, Texas 75935. Please write “Joe Fomby” on the “for” line.
Joe is survived by his wife Mary Fomby; daughters, Angela Rowe and husband Robert, Beth Harbison and husband Ricky.
Grandchildren Bradley Andrews and wife Mindy, Ashley Rowe and wife Alex, Christi Dukes and husband R.T., Chelsea Oler and husband Blake, Mickey Wiggins and wife Dacey.
Great grandchildren Lexi Perry and husband Daniel, Eden Andrews, Addison Rowe, Reagan T. Dukes, Kennedy Dukes, Connor Andrews, June Oler, Calvin Oler, Lincoln Dukes, Rosie Dukes
Great great-grandchild Charlie Perry.
Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Preceded in death by his wife Nell Fomby; parents Shellie and Emma Fomby; and brother, Roy Fomby.
Pallbearers: Bradley Andrews, Ashley Rowe, R.T. Dukes, Blake Oler, Mickey Wiggins, and Reagan T. Dukes