Shelby Booth Nicholas Jr.

Slidell – Shelby Booth Nicholas Jr., 86, passed away peacefully Monday, August 31, 2020, from lung cancer. 
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jenny B. Nicholas; their two daughters, Elaine Nicholas Darby (Jude) and Susan Nicholas Jones; his grandchildren, Phillip Darby (Kelly), Aaron Darby (Madi), Nicholas Jones (Mindi) and Andrew Jones (Kristin); and his great-grandchildren, Bentley, Baylor, Noah and Kaden. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Shelby Booth Nicholas Sr. and Bertha R. Nicholas. He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Steve Jones.
Shelby was born in Jennings, Louisiana on October 12, 1933, where he spent much of his youth before moving to New Orleans and then to St. Martinville. Upon graduation from St. Martinville High School in 1952, Shelby attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette for 3½ years before enlisting in the Army National Guard in February 1956. He returned home after serving overseas for six months to marry the love of his life. He reenlisted for two additional tours and was honorably discharged in December 1960.
He returned to the University of Southwestern Louisiana in the spring of 1960 where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Shelby began his career as an Electrical Engineer with Shell Oil Company in New Iberia in September 1960, where he worked until he was transferred to New Orleans in 1965. He retired from the Shell Oil Company with 31 years of service in September 1991. He resided in the Slidell area until 1991, then moved to Lacombe to enjoy retirement.
Shelby loved spending time with his family, especially with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Shelby was a devout member of the Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Slidell where he served as an Usher for many years. He was an avid sports fan, he coached his daughters in softball during their youth at SBBA. He especially loved baseball, where he spent many years traveling to events supporting his grandchildren. Other hobbies include hunting, fishing, reading, going to the gym, having morning coffee with his buddies and just enjoying life.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Greg Bizette and his staff and to the staff and nurses at Passages Hospice, for the excellent care and compassion they provided during Shelby’s illness.
A Memorial Service in Shelby’s honor will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Honaker Funeral Home located at 1751 Gause Blvd. West in Slidell. Friends may visit beginning at 9 am.
Please visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, La.