Johnny "Deacon Shack" Shackelford

Johnny Shackelford was born in Montgomery, Alabama January 2, 1942 to union of Reddick and Rebecca Shackelford. He completed grade school in the Alabama Department of Education. From there as a teenager, he went on to a short career in Boxing and professional fighting.

A time to Love Johnny Shackelford married Lizzie Pearl Barlow and were together for 50years. Shortly after their Union Deacon Johnny and Lizzie became Foster Parents where they Served and Lovingly Cared for over 100 foster children in the state of New York. 

He was processed in death by his wife Lizzie Pearl Shackelford and daughter Martha Whitaker. 

As well as several siblings.

Deacon Shackelford had many brothers and sisters that he loved and cherished!

He will be greatly missed by his children: sons; Dormie-John Shackelford, Paul Shackelford, Vernon Shackelford, Anthony Shackelford (Candance) and Daughter Rosaria Shackelford (Travis)

Grandchildren; Jeremiah Shackelford, Tavarez Shackelford, Erick Shackelford, Ace-Johnny Shackelford, Korey Roland, Amya Bryson, Grace-Rose and Ava-Rose Shackelford. 

godchildren; Apostle Lance Hayes (Minnie), and Kayla Mackey (New York).

A host of Nieces, Nephews, Favorite Nephew and Sidekick - Simon “Junebug” Shackelford 

great nieces and nephews and other sorrowing friends all of whom he loved and adored! 

Deacon Johnny Shackelford was employed with the Alachua County School Board Department of Transportation for 18years. 15 of those years he maintained Perfect Attendance and was named Bus Driver of the Year, for several years in a row. Deacon Shackelford was also an Entrepreneur for over 30 years, a Talented, well known & Respected Landscaper and Lawncare expert who served Neighbors and Neighborhoods that lead to lifelong friendships within the Gainesville Community and surrounding areas. 

He was a Master Mechanic and Truck Driver earning his Certifications in both from the State of New York in the early 1980’s.

He enjoyed racing His Two Corvettes, Fishing, Hunting, Gun collecting, Watching Boxing and All Things Church! He unselfishly gave and poured into so many and made Serving others his Life’s Work. 

 Deacon Johnny Shackelford has severed as A Chairman Deacon for more than 50 years helping to Train, Develop  and Cultivate  new upcoming Deacons and Leaders. He was A Naturally Gifted Teacher and Student’ of the Word.  Deacon Johnny was one of the first Black Men in Gainesville in the early 80’s that founded and developed Street Service Ministry and Food Pantry Distributions.

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