Cary Sheley

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: Cary A. Sheley, 62, of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly April 7, 2023 surrounded by family, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born April 11, 1960, in Rockford, the son of Dale and Mary (Schilling) Sheley. Cary graduated from East High School in 1978. He played trombone in the band and jazz band. He went to Millikin University as a music major. While attending Millikin he took several trips to South America while playing in a jazz band. He went on to Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and obtained his master's degree in music. He taught music for a time and joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra and toured the United States and Japan for several years. He played with other bands over the years when he came off the road. He also performed on the Cunard Line Ocean World Cruise. Later he became a real estate appraiser and put together his own band called “Little Big Band”. They played at weddings, concerts, etc. in Rockford and the Midwest. He was an avid Bears and Cubs fan. He also enjoyed going on family fishing trips. Survivors include his father Dale; sisters Kristine (Doug) Witherby and Cindy Lee; nieces and nephews Kurtis Witherby, (Melissa Griffis) Ashley Sheley, (Adam Elsasser) Jonathan (Julie) Lee, and Melissa Lee; grand nieces and nephews; and best friend Tom Stein. He is predeceased by his mother Mary; maternal and paternal grandparents; and brother-in- law John Lee. Cary touched so many lives and will be forever missed but not forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rockford Rescue Mission. A Memorial Service will be at 11 am, Friday, April 28, 2023, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., Rockford, IL 61104. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park.  www.statelinecremations.com