Kenny Shelley

Kenny Shelley Kenneth Ray Shelley, 76, of Darlington passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11 AM at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Darlington Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 PM until 8 PM Tuesday , March 14, 2023. Kenny was born in Rains Community of Marion County on March 20, 1946 to the late Joseph C. “Joe” Shelley and Elise Turner Shelley. He was a graduate of Chicora High School in North Charleston, SC and served in the United States Army National Guard. Her retired from CSX Transportation. Kenny had a great love of cars and was often lovingly referred to as “The Godfather of Old Cars” among his friends. He loved 60’s Muscle Cars with a 1966 Chevelle SS being his favorite. He was a former and founding member of both the Pee Dee Street Rodders and the Palmetto Cruisers. He was the co-owner of Yesterday’s Cars along with his wife, Brenda until her death in 2020. He was also the owner and organizer of the Southeastern Classic Auto Fair held annually on Labor Day weekend. Kenny also loved the game of baseball. He was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and the University of South Carolina Gamecocks but enjoyed watching any team play. He was a coach at Francis Marion Recreation in Quinby for many years and was always thrilled to run into his former players through the years. Kenny also had a soft spot for animals. He never hesitated to help or bring home a stray in need even though he fussed at us for doing the same. In fact, he always kept a bag of pet food in his truck, just in case. He is survived by his daughter, Suzette Shelley of Darlington, his special car friends, his beloved cats and dogs, his granddog, Geraldine and his nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Childers Shelley, his brothers, Jimmy Shelley and Carlyle Shelley, his sister, Betty King and his nephew, James “Canty” Shelley. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the Darlington County Animal Shelter. In memory of Kenny’s love of cars, his car friends are asked to drive their old cars or hot rods to his service.

Kenny Shelley

March 20, 1946 - March 12, 2023