Dr. Harold Thomas Shelby of Rockford departed this earthly life February 6, 2022. He was born August 9, 1942 in Rockford, IL the son of Clayborne and Florencella Shelby. Dr. Shelby lived the past 14 months in Rockford coming from New Orleans, Louisiana, where he has lived and practiced medicine since 1977. He was employed as a physician at Methodist Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Shelby started a thriving private practice in 1979, later leaving New Orleans in 2005 due to Hurricane Katrina. He then relocated to Houston, Texas, where he was on  faculty at Baylor College of Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology at Baylor University Hospital. Dr. Shelby was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Dr. Shelby graduated from West High School, and received his Bachelor's Degree and Medical Degree at Howard University. He completed his residency and fellowship at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, New York.

Dr. Harold leaves to cherish many loving memories, his three sons, Harold T. Shelby Jr; Ryan W. Shelby, and Brandon H. Shelby; three daughters, Dr. Bonita (Dr. Eric) Shelby Ward, Dr. Amelia (Dr. Cordell) Shelby-Nwokeji and Brittany (Faveron) Shelby-Moore; 9 grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Anacleta) Shelby; sister, Roberta (Donald) Toomer; a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Dr. Clayborne Shelby and Dr. Elliott Treadwell.

Services will be held, 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 19, 2022, at First Grace UMC 3401 Canal St., New Orleans LA. Viewing starts at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  Rev. Aaron Treadwell, PhD from Key Memorial UMC in Murfreesboro, TN will officiate.