Col. Wallace Byrl Shaw, February 7, 1931 - January 20, 2022

February 17, 2022

Colonel Wallace Byrl Shaw, a prominent figure in Brinkley's civic service and much-decorated military serviceman, passed away at the age of 90. Byrl was born in Clarendon to Herbert Shaw, Sr., and Anna Frances Shaw of the Bethlehem community. He grew up as the middle child, the late Herbert Shaw Jr. was his older brother, and Barbara Shaw Williams his younger sister.
In 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Ruth Hood, who preceded him in death. Their union was blessed with two children, Wally (Nina) Shaw of Brinkley and Kelly Shaw of Maumelle who are left to mourn his passing, along with grandchildren Denver Shaw, Kim Henderson, and Lalia Jones and great-grandchild Braxton Henderson.

He confirmed his faith In Christ with baptism in the First Baptist Church in Brinkley in 1968.
Shaw’s military service was wide and varied. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged on January 13, 1954. The very next day, he reenlisted in the Army National Guard and was ordered to active duty in July of that year. In 1957, he was accepted in AR ARNG of 2nd Lieutenant, then was promoted to 1st Lieutenant a year later. Promotions followed throughout the years, including Captain in 1961, Major in 1971, Lieutenant Colonel in 1976, and was made “full bird” Colonel in April 1980. He retired from active duty in 1986.

During his military career, Shaw was stationed in various areas, including Camp Robinson, Fort Sam in Houston Texas and his final assignment of service was as USPFO at the command of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He completed many courses of military education during his career including comptroller, management of defense acquisition contracts, government contract law, and advanced management of defense acquisitions. He also received numerous decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons. Among them National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal (German) Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Army Reserve components achievement medal (2nd Award), Expert Qualifications Badge .45 Caliber and Carbine 30, and Good Conduct Medal.

Shaw was a master at working things out in situations that might get the best of some. Recently, Kailee Fitts, one of his caregivers at Cla Clif Nursing Home, shared a classic Byrl story that she recorded for his daughter Kelly.

Byrl: “We landed a twin-engine plane to refuel, and the pilot came back and told us that they wouldn’t give them fuel on a government credit card. So, I said ‘carry me down there to talk to them.’ I asked them what the problem was and they told me. So, I said, ‘can you refuel us on a purchase order instead of the credit card?’ The guy said sure. So, Shaw told them to fill it up and he would get him a purchase order. They refueled the plane and the pilot said “where are you going to get a purchase order?” Shaw asked the pilot ‘well, have you ever seen them pump fuel out of an airplane?’”

Shaw had various businesses on the civilian side of his life including The Liquor Store, rentals, and an agri-hauling service called Shaw and Son. He also served as Monroe County’s Director of Homeland Security and was active in city and county government. He was selected as Brinkley’s Citizen of the Year in 2010.

A memorial service for Mr. Shaw will be held at a later date.