Bobby L. Shaw was born October 25, 1944, in Prescott, Arkansas, to the late Rueben Shaw and Odessa Shaw Hopson. He accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, service, and devotion to God and his family.

Bobby proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army in 1965. After being honorably discharged in 1967, he relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where he continued to build a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and service to others.

He attended and graduated from the Memphis School of Preaching in the early 1990’s. Bobby worked for Chrysler for 30 years before retiring in 1996. Even in retirement, he remained active and enjoyed life. In the late 80’s and 90’s, he coached baseball at St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Bobby’s commitment to ministry was an important part of his life. In the early 1980’s he became a minister at Henrietta Church of Christ. He later served State Street Church of Christ, retiring from his ministry in 2011. Following his retirement, Bobby moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he attended Inver Grove Heights Church of Christ.

Bobby was a loving and understanding, yet stern, man. He was a father friend, mentor, brother, uncle, and so much more to those blessed to know him. He was regarded as a pillar in his community and touched many lives throughout the years. Above all, Bobby was a God-fearing man whose presence, wisdom, and guidance will truly be missed.

Bobby also had a great love for sports. He was a devoted Chicago sports fan who enjoyed cheering for the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and other Chicago teams.

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, Bobby peacefully transitioned at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben Shaw and Odess Shaw Hopson and sisters Helen and Felicia; and brother Andrew.

Bobby leaves a lifetime of precious memories to be cherished by ; his wife, Rosie Lee Shaw; his children, Brent (Andrell) Shaw, Lashea Shaw, Fred (Jennifer) Shaw, Barbara Shaw, and Anesia Shaw; his grandchildren, Alawna, Alexia, Alante, Alexander, Chanell, Brenton, Breille, Rakin, Travis, Martavion, Delonte, Timothy, Tefton, Tanesia, and Frank; a host of great grandchildren; his siblings, Robert, Billy, Nancy, Andrew, Lois, Helen, Felicia, Flora and Derek. He also leaves many other relatives, church family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Bobby L. Shaw lived a life of faith, service, family, and love. From serving his country and providing for his family to preaching the Word of God and mentoring others, his life made a lasting impact. Though his earthly journey has ended, the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the lives he touched will remain a treasured part of his legacy for generations to come.

Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026 at State Street Church of Christ 4141 W. State Street Rockford, IL. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.