Steven Alexander Shackelford Jr.

Steven Alexander Shackelford, Jr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Born on November 9, 1931, in Charleston, SC, Steve lived a life filled with love for his family, service to his country, dedication to his church, and a deep connection to his community of friends and neighbors. Steve is survived by his wife of more than 68 years, Carolyn Shirey Shackelford; his sister, Andrea Tahsequah; his daughters, Lynn S. Peacock and CaraLee Starnes; his granddaughters, Christy (Noah) Schnell, Leslie Peacock; Taylor (John) Noriega, and Jessie (Zack) Givens; his grandson Carter Shackelford Starnes; 4 great-grandchildren, Lyla, Hunter, and Sydney Schnell and Christian Alexander Noriega; brother-in-law George Kelly and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Steven A. Shackelford Sr., mother Annie Ethel Anderson Shackelford and sister Mary Francis Kelly. In the mid-1940’s, the family moved from South Carolina to Jacksonville, FL where Steve continued his schooling and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951. Following 4 years of service in the Korean War, he enrolled at the University of Florida where he met Carolyn. They married in 1956 and began their life together in Jacksonville where he completed his B.S. degree at Jacksonville University in 1960. Upon graduation, Steve worked as Personnel Director for Terminal Paper Bag Company. In 1963, a career opportunity led the family to Pensacola, FL where he served as head of Personnel for St. Regis Paper Company. Aspiring to advance his education to achieve a law degree, the family moved to Tallahassee, FL in 1969 where he entered the Florida State University College of Law, graduating in the class of 1971. He worked in private practice in Tallahassee and Fort Walton Beach, FL, and as General Counsel for Wometco in Miami, FL. His love for the field of labor law led to his return to Tallahassee where he ultimately retired as Director of Labor Relations for the State of Florida. He was a member of the Florida Bar for 50 years and the American Arbitration Association. He continued to contribute to the field of law as a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Arbitrator and Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) Special Master. In retirement, he enjoyed creating stained glass art, woodworking, gardening, and playing the guitar and mandolin. In 2011, Steve and Carolyn moved to Westminster Oaks where they continued to enjoy serving in residential and community life. Steve will be remembered for his quick wit and unwavering love and devotion to his family. Steve’s love for Carolyn was unparallel, and their enduring partnership served as an example to many. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. His deep faith anchored him throughout his life, and he took pride in teaching for the Burleigh Law Sunday School class at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where they were active members, singing in the choir, working with the youth group, and serving on numerous committees. The visits, phone calls, cards, and prayers Steve received during the final weeks of his life were a tremendous source of encouragement, peace, and comfort to him. His passing is deeply mourned by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but Steve’s spirit is alive in all the hearts of those he touched. The family greatly appreciates the care and support provided by his healthcare teams from Enhabit Home Health and Big Bend Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Steve’s memory to Big Bend Hospice or Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Saint Paul's United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A graveside service with military honors will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024 at Tallahassee National Cemetery. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com or 850-766-6104)

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Steven Alexander Shackelford Jr.

November 9, 1931 - August 11, 2024