Born: January 8th, 1936 • Died: April 8th, 2020
Memorial Date: Celebration of Life -Monticello, Florida. Targeting Late June, early July based on Covid 19 Restrictions.
After a valiant, two-year battle with Leukemia, Shelley E. Plymale SR. was called home to the Happy Hunting and Fishing grounds of his dreams on April 8th 2020 at the age of 84. He passed away at home with his children and family by his side.
Born in Pidcock, Georgia, the oldest of seven children, to Ellis Euel Plymale of Brooks County Georgia and Doris Minerva Shelley of Monticello, Florida. Shelley was raised in South Georgia and North Florida until his father Ellis’ untimely passing when he was twelve years old. The family moved to the Shelley’s family farm in Jefferson County, Florida near Silver Lake.
Always the outdoorsman, Shelley passed knowing the ducks and doves will be plentiful around the ponds. Every spring there will be twelve pounders lurking in the lake and turkeys galore. The Fifty yard crossing shots will be taken with ease, and all the deer are over 200”. He will once again be able to chase Mule deer in the mountains of Colorado, Cape Buffalo in the Okavango Delta, and Kudu in the Zimbabwe bush.
Shelley will be remembered as a wonderful and talented story teller. He was always quick with an inappropriate joke and willing to share his nearly infinite knowledge of firearms and hunting adventures. All of his friends will remember his prowess in the kitchen. When Shelley was at the stove or campfire, the food would be both wonderful and plentiful. No one ever left hungry after a Shelley Plymale gathering!
Shelley had a strong spirit and a great attitude about life’s challenges. Anyone else who had fought the four prior life threatening diagnoses might have gone quietly into the night after doctors discovered the last of them, leukemia. Shelley, never the quitter, had other plans. “Fight the good fight until the bitter end” was his motto. There were fish to catch, ducks to hunt, turkeys to be called and exotic global adventures to be had!
The way he died is as he lived. He created his own path, and paved his own way. And if you said he could not do it, he’d prove you wrong. Scratching, clawing and fighting every step of the way.
A man of his means was not supposed to be able to travel from Florida, across the U.S. West, throughout Alaska, Canada, South America/Caribbean, Europe and Africa fishing and hunting. Always reading, planning and lusting for the next hunt or safari. If you asked him “What was your favorite adventure?” his canned response was always, “The next one”. Shelley crammed a 1000 years of “fun” into his full and wonderful 84.
As much as people knew hanging out with him could be harmful to their bank accounts, he was the type of man they would drive for hours to see. All knowing he would share his latest tale, tune their favorite firearm and show them five must have guns. Or better yet, coax them to join him on his next adventure.
Shelley’s career as a law enforcement officer stretched across 35 years. After a short stint in the U.S. Army he started his career with the City of Tampa, Florida in May of 1964, retiring in 1984 as a Sergeant. He worked in many positions over his twenty-year career in Tampa ranging from detective, special enforcement units and DUI. He was known as a great mentor, leader and developer of young talent.
Known for being a great shot and a capable gun smith, Shelley worked part time in many of the local gun shops, making a little “hunting money”.
The part time work eventually grew into a fulltime venture when he opened, Custom Gun Sales, while still employed by TPD. Custom Gun Sales was a well-known hang out for members of TPD. Where stories flowed and Shelley held court, all while he worked on many a fine and not so fine firearm. Guns were a passion that never left him and one he carried to the very end.
In 1985 after moving back to his home town of Monticello, Florida and building a home on his family’s farm he joined the Jefferson county Sheriff’s office. He was hired as Chief Deputy and Captain, eventually moving to Major under then Sheriff, Ken Fortune. He loved his work and the people he came in contact with over his 15 years before once again retiring.
His legacy in law enforcement lives on in the many great young officers that worked under him and are now top leaders in law enforcement.
After his second retirement from law enforcement, Shelley went back for more adventure working for Western Alaska Fly Fishing, on the Alaska Peninsula. He enjoyed managing, cooking, fishing and storytelling for three exciting years in the camps before finally retiring for good.
Shelley was keenly aware of the importance of a life well lived with the friends and family you love over material possessions. His regrets were few. He made friends wherever he went around the world and by every campfire.
We will surely miss his wit, and most of all, his great guidance. R.I.P.
Shelley is survived by his three children, Son: “Mac” Shelley E. Plymale JR (Cassie), Daughters: Lena Michele Plymale Wawoe (Ted), Carrie M. Plymale Climer, Brothers: Julian R. Plymale SR (Eileen), James T. Plymale (Doris), Leland H. Plymale, Sister: A. Latrelle Plymale Gavin (Tom). Grand Children: Carli A. Plymale, Caleigh M. Plymale, Chile F. Garrison, Malena N. Wawoe, Camryn A. Wawoe.
Shelley was preceded in death by his Mother: Doris M. Shelley Plymale, Father: Ellis E. Plymale, Brothers: Ellis E. Plymale JR (Dorothy) and Elton D. Plymale.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Monticello, Florida as soon as the COVID19 situation allows. We are targeting mid to late June. The family is happy to keep all interested parties aware of the proposed dates.