Shelby Harris’ life was celebrated at Second Baptist Church in Rock Island Wednesday. He lived to be 111 years old and the oldest man in America. His friends say Shelby was not concerned with his age and the length of his life but the quality of it.
“He treated people like he would want to be treated,” dear friend Jim Kerr says. “He believed in the scripture of loving thy neighbor and loving God and he practiced it.”
Friends say he would share stories of his days as a coal miner in Indiana before moving to East Moline to work at Union Malleable - now known as John Deere Foundry. Harris then joined the Army during World War II.
Year after year, birthday after birthday, it seemed the beloved man was going to live forever. But those close to him said he believed God had a plan. Before his death he was quoted saying ‘when He calls me, I’ll be ready.’
Shelby died of natural causes peacefully in his own bed at the Rock Island Nursing and Rehab Center.
“He finished the race and that’s what it’s all about, finishing the race,” Kerr says with a smile.
Kerr says he finished the race with the glass half full and a smile on his face and inspired others to do the same.
Harris will be buried at the National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal.