Shelby G. Wilson's Obituary
Wilson, Shelby G. "Shell"
"The Bowlers Friend," passed on August 19, 2025. He was born in Stokesdale, NC on March 27, 1936, He is survived by sons, Troy C. Wilson, David D. Wilson and stepson, Robert Alves; grandchildren, Kyle Wilson, Jennifer Gibson, Tisha Quinn {Tara); great-grandchildren, Isaac, James, Aiden Robert, Cora Fletcher, Alysa Arnao and Charles Thomas Arnao III; to Salvatore A. Facciponte and Charles T. Arnao, Jr. he was simply "Pop Pop". He is preceded in death by wife, Cheryl; daughters, Kath erine Eklund; Tracy L. Padron; sisters, Jane Ferguson, Katherine Ball; brothers, Franklin and Phillip Wilson.
In 1953, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was the World wide Air Force Bowling Champion, retired in 1974. "Shell" was the former Owner of Wilsons Pro Shop in Tampa for three decades with his wife and soulmate, Cheryl and son, Troy. He had overwhelming accolades: Member of Tampa City and Florida State Halls of Fame; over 30-300 games, multiple 800 series, PBA titles and televised events; Tampa City Match Play singles and Mixed Doubles Champion; and took 3rd place in ABC/ USBC nationals doubles in Detroit with Frank Gravino in 1971. Too many more to list. A fierce competitor and lover of laughs, a jokester, his life was bowling. His love was golf. Hundreds of friends will miss Shell terribly. His legacy and legend will soldier on. And, to Kathy Thomason, widow of his best friend and competitor Gregg Thomason-you are a ray of light and have provided joy and undying love to our family. We hug you hard.
His life celebration is scheduled for Sept 13, at Boza & Roel, 4730 N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa with Visitation froml0 -11:30 am; and an 11:30 am Ser vice, followed by his life's work on full display. Food, eulogies, artifacts, memorabilia at Pinchasers-Midtown
across the street at approximately noon.
What’s your fondest memory of Shelby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shelby?
Share a story where Shelby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shelby you’ll never forget.
How did Shelby make you smile?