Bobby Earl Shaw

Bobby Earl Shaw was called home to his heavenly father on Monday December 1, 2025. He was born in Star City, Arkansas March 20,1958 to the late William A. Shaw, Sr. and Lugene (Todd) Shaw, They resided in Gould, Arkansas where he was the second of twelve children.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age in 1968 at First Baptist Church in Gould, AR where he was baptized by the late Rev. C.L Washington. Bobby was presently a member of The Pleasant View Ministry church where his brother William A. Shaw Jr. is pastor.

Bobby attended Wells Bayou outside of Gould, AR. Relocated to Dumas, AR in 7th grade. In 1970 he moved to Pine Bluff, AR where he attended Coleman Middle School and Watson Chapel High School where he graduated in 1976. He excelled in Drama, Art, and Football. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army where he went to medical specialist school at Fort Sam Houston in Houston, Texas and desert training at Fort Hood in central Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1979.

Bobby founded The Gospel Tides, formerly The Shaw Specials in 1973. They traveled all over, ministering at churches singing centers. They released their first project “From The Heart” in 1992 and “On Our Way” in 1995. He also wrote for other quartet groups in the Pine Bluff area. Bobby enjoyed singing in the Palestine and Pleasant View Choirs.

In 1979 Bobby started working at Jefferson Hospital as an orderly until 1981. He then enrolled at Surgical Medical Technology at UAMS where he graduated in 1982. He started working in the O.R at JRMC. In 1988 he trained to specialize in open heart surgery at Oschner Health in New Orleans, Louisiana. He returned to JRMC where the heart program started with Dr. Busby where he worked until 1997. He also taught surgical tech to many students. Bobby then relocated to Little Rock, AR where he worked at the AR Heart Hospital until 2002. He then moved to Decatur, Alabama and worked at Decatur General Hospital until 2006 then he returned to AR Heart Hospital, where he retired in March 2025. He took great pride in his work and loved those who worked alongside him.

He married the love of his life, Carla Eddington, on September 30,1990. Through their union they gave birth to 3 children; Camille, Cameron, & Christian who were blessed with his musical talents and artistic gifts.

Bobby loved watching The Arkansas Razorbacks, old westerns, and crime shows. He enjoyed playing guitar, doing crossword puzzles and listening to gospel groups in his spare time.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents: Lugene Shaw (Todd) Shaw and William A. Shaw, Sr. sisters Flossie Jean (Shaw) Gatewood, Larhonda Harrell; nephew, Kevin Shaw. He leaves to cherish his memories: His wife of 35 years, Carla Shaw; daughter, Camille (Gavin) Hawkins; sons, Cameron Shaw; and Christian Shaw; his brothers–Pastor William A. Shaw, Jr, Waymon Shaw, Terry (Kimberly) Shaw, Corey (Brenda) Shaw, Johntu’ Shaw; his sisters–Marilyn “Kay” Burns, Jackie Tate, Tina (Jimmy) Coleman, and Ashante Shaw. He also leaves a host of nieces and nephews.

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