Mr. Gabriel Lee Shaw Jr.

Gabriel Lee Shaw]r. was called to glory on December 7,2023, at the age of 78. He was born on July 31, 1945, in Osceola, Arkansas. He was the first son of 8 children, (5 daughters and 3 sons) born to the union of Gabriel Lee Shaw, Sr. and Mary Hall Shaw. Gabe graduated from North Division High School in 1963 and joined the United States Air Force that same year at age 17. He graduated from the US Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School at Eglin AFB in FL. This was quite an achievement because it is one the most challenging and stressful schools in the military. In fact, the fail rate for the EOD school is (51 ), one of the highest of any academic institution in any branch. He was trained in subjects ranging from detection, disarming and disposal of explosive threats, and response operations due to chemical/ biological and radiological/nuclear weapon issues, all in the most extreme environments. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era and held one of the highest security clearances. He chose not to make the Air Force a career after "seeing and experiencing too much" in his own words. He was honorably discharged in 1968. Gabe did not have a lazy bone in his body. He did not believe in sitting around. He believed in hard work, stating proudly "you cannot talk work done." When he had a project to tackle, he often said "come on with it" when talking to other members of his crew. And when he was working on a project, he had laser focus until it was completed. Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." He attended both UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee with an emphasis in math. Gabe had a love of cars, which prompted his decision to become an Automotive Service Excellence certified technician. In order to achieve certification, one must undergo a long and rigorous process. After completing the field work and edUcational requirements, the applicant must pass a comprehensive exam which encompasses 8 sections every 5 years. Most applicants do not opt to take all 8 sections of the exam and only 2/3 of the test takers pass any section of the exam on their first attempt. However, Gabe loved an educational challenge, so he sat for all 8 parts, passed them all on the first attempt and remained certified for 15 years. He later attended MATC and became a certified Air Conditioning and Heating Specialist. He also studied real estate and became a licensed Real Estate Broker in 1977. Gabe retired from Miller Brewing Company in 2005 after 30 years of service. He believed in life-long learning; always studying and reading on a variety of subjects which included taxes, carpentry, electrical, masonry and heating/cooling. He used this knowledge to repair the numerous properties he and his wife owned. In fact, there were very few things that Gabe could not repair and he loved talking about the intricacies of repair for as long as you would let him. He believed strongly in the value and pride that comes from home ownership. And was always willing to lend a hand to relatives and friends with their properties. As a landlord, Gabe enjoyed and put into practice the many aspects of his educational and life experiences. Gabe was married to his loving wife Shirley A. Ellis for over 41 years. They were best friends and stood by each other in health and in sickness; each taking on the other's burdens during their trials. They had a collaborative and caring relationship based on mutual respect and a deep love for each other. They were supportive of each other's aspirations and goals, while providing honest feedback to each other; yet through it all, they always worked to find their way to "yes" rather than "no. Gabe was a great provider and spoiled Shirley. Gabe's children and grandchildren gave him much joy and he was truly proud of their accomplishments. They had his unconditional love, and he was always there to provide support where he could in a variety of ways. He was a very giving person; generous to family and friends, lending his support in both deed and spirit. He was also a mentor to many youth; especially young men, offering them valuable knowledge of trade skills and work opportunities. While Gabe could be a man of few words, those who came to know him found out that was not the case. He loved good conversation and would often say that "no one was perfect." He understood that no one opinion was always right. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, expertise, unique sense of humor and curiosity with others. Gabriel was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000 and for over 23-years, he fought the disease valiantly. He also battled heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure over the last 5 years; continuing to persevere. He would say, "I am going to live until I die." Gabe truly was an example of profound belief in God and positive thinking. He was also a great encourager to others who struggled with their own health issues. He seemed to take to heart what was stated in Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Gabriel leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Shirley A. Ellis, Son, Anthony Bishop, Daughters: Melissa Pearcy, (Garfield), Lisa Clifton (Albert), Gabrielle Sporteen Wallace McCloud, and Felicia Williams (Chastity). Grandchildren- Ericka Evans, Timera Cokadar, Richael Wells, Michael Wells, Tia Conway, Tyanne Pearcy, Angel Clifton, Albert Clifton, III, Anthony James Bishop, Kennedy Bishop. Roman Wallace, Jarrin Nash, Kendall Nash, and Tempest Nash, Reid Williams, and 10-great grandchildren. 5 sisters-Emma Wallace (AL), Mary Hogan, Deborah Thompson (Clifford), Linda Swan and Darcus Shaw and Sister-in-law, Betty Ross, 2 brothers- Lee Shaw (Marilynn), Charles Shaw-Obtumea Obtumah and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Mary Hall Shaw and Gabriel Lee Shaw, Sr.

Mr. Gabriel Lee Shaw Jr.

July 31, 1945 - December 7, 2023