Guy Bryan “Butch” Shackelford

Guy Bryan “Butch” Shackelford (age 75) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on April 30, 2020, following a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer.

Born on Aug. 1, 1944, in Memphis, Tenn., Butch moved to Poplar Bluff at a young age and attended Kinyon Elementary. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1962 as a two-time letterman in track and field. He attended Arkansas State University for two years before joining the United States Air Force in October 1964. Butch spent three years stationed in Montana and one year serving NATO overseas in Turkey during the Vietnam War. He was a sergeant in the Air Police at the time of his honorable discharge in October 1968.

Butch returned to Poplar Bluff and married Donna Ehlers on June 10, 1971, at the Zion Lutheran Church. He joined his father, Mr. Guy, at Bluff City Motors, where he sold cars for over 20 years. He loved cars his entire life and made many good friends over his years at the Ford dealership. Following the passing of his wife in 1995, he owned and operated Shackelford Auto Sales and several commercial rental properties on the east side for several years.

Butch had many interests and hobbies over the years – he played and enjoyed watching tennis and golf, as well as loved bird hunting. He always liked singing along to “doo wop” music and dancing at his class reunions. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his longtime partner, Julie Spencer. In his later years, he spent time in The Villages, Fla., where he was proud to be a member of their American Legion post #347. Butch also loved to cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels football team and enjoyed following the stock market and Fox News. He loved hosting cookouts and gatherings of family and friends at his home. Butch also deeply loved his many pet dogs over the years. He was a devout Lutheran for the last 50-plus years. He was also a longtime supporter of Autism Speaks, animal rescues and countless other charities over the years.

Butch is survived by his partner, Julie, and his two children:  J-Jaye (and Ryan) Hurley of Atlanta, Ga; and Jeff (and Rebecca) Shackelford of Poplar Bluff. He is also survived by his sister, Marianne Wolf, of Cordova, Tenn., and niece Allison Hutchison, as well as his cousin Mike Smith of Poplar Bluff. Butch is also survived by his five grandchildren – Jackson and Reese Hurley and Maddie, Josie and Sofie Shackelford. He is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Rubye Shackelford, and his wife, Donna Ehlers Shackelford, and grandson, Lane Shackelford. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family has asked that memorial remembrances be made to the United Cancer Assistance Network (UCAN) of Poplar Bluff. A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family, with a celebration of life service to be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at a later date (TBA).

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Guy Bryan ‘Butch’ Shackelford; online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.