Perry Michael Shelley
October 9, 1956 – September 26, 2023
How can you begin to sum up the life of a man like Perry Michael Shelley, known to his family and friends as “Mike.” Mike was born on October 9, 1956, in Whitney, Texas to his loving parents, Jackie Cook Shelley and Perry Shelley. He attended Whitney High School, and after graduation, he led an unconventional life. He began his career in commercial shrimping and crabbing on his trusty boat Jacqulyne down in Aransas Pass, TX. After getting his fill of commercial fishing, he began to travel the country selling antiques, ranging from glassware to his personal favorite, Civil War Era collectibles. The next step in his career was his move to Port Bolivar, TX. He began as a food vendor and eventually scored his favorite job as Park Superintendent at Fort Travis Seashore Park. Mike ended his unpredictable yet fulfilling career working for Peninsula Sanitation Service as a manager. He made many lifelong friends throughout his career.

Beyond his love for work, he had love for many other things. Three of those things being family, fishing, and food. Mike was one of the best cooks around. He learned the craft from none other than his momma, Jackie and passed this love for cooking down to his granddaughter, Sadey. At every family function you could always find them in the kitchen cooking or baking with a sprinkling of friendly competition. When he wasn’t in the kitchen, he could be found on the beach surf fishing. His love for fishing landed him an unofficial State Record for a Southern Stingray that weighed over 250 pounds, had a wingspan of over five feet, and a seven inch stinger. Mike also had a love for motorcycles, and you could find him riding his Harley at any time of the year or any time of the day. After a long day of riding, he would park his Harley and venture inside to spend his evenings with his beloved bird, Morgan and his cat, Kitty Sue. The weekends were reserved for shenanigans with Amber, which included going on cruises, riding motorcycles, and hosting gatherings. Mike had served in many capacities over the years and was a proud member of the International Oleander Society and supported fundraising efforts for the Sunshine Center in Galveston, TX.

If there was one thing to say about Mike and his legacy, it was he truly had a zest for life. He never failed to entertain with his never-ending stories and his amazing sense of humor. You could ask anyone what they remember about Mike, and the answer will always be his sense of humor.

Mike passed away peacefully at home after a long courageous battle with esophageal cancer on September 26, 2023, with his loving daughter, Tracey, and loyal cat, Kitty Sue, by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Jackie Shelley, his nephew, James Arnold, and cousin, Jamie Cook. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Amber Jinkins, his daughters, Tracey Cox and husband Will, Prescha Weiss and husband Brad, Haley Thompson; son Nathan Thompson; grandchildren, Sadey Lynn Cox, Seth Faglie, and Carson Thompson; sister Sandra Arnold; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Donations in Mike’s honor can be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife.