of Helena, AR
October 12, 1915 - November 1, 2005
James William Shackelford, (Mr. Bill), Helena resident, died Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 90 years old on October 12, and celebrated with a party attended by friends and family from several states. Born in Sunflower, Mississippi, his family moved to Louisiana in time for the 1927 flood from which he remembers being evacuated to Bastrop.
A chemical engineer with a BS from LSU and a MS from the Univeristy of Michigan, he started his career as a chemist in a paper mill in Crossett, Arkansas before joining the Army Chemical Corps to make mustard gas and other chemical agents for World War II. During that time he met his wife, Frances Bergholm (Dell, now deceased), who worked as a chemist for the Corps.
After the war, Shackelford worked for various companies in Pine Bluff, Houston and Helena in management positions. He was much loved as a boss, and when he retired from Cedar Chemical, the employees presented him with a four-wheeler.
At White Hall, Arkansas, in the early 1960's, Shackelford was president of the board of education when the Supreme Court ruling mandated integration of schools. He and fellow board members implemented a plan that made the transition go smoothly at White Hall, compared to other districts at the time. Some members of that group, including Mr. Shackelford incorporated the town of White Hall and planned and built a water system and a volunteer fire department. Other community services were as treasurer of White Hall Methodist Church and Boy Scout Leader.
An avid hunter and fisherman, in 1951 in Madison Parish on the first morning of the season, he killed two eight point deer and while eating lunch killed a ten point!
He is survived by one brother, Duke Shackelford of Jones, Louisiana; sons, Bill and Jim Shackelford of Helena; daughters, Jean Taylor of Burke, Virginia and Susan Clifton of Atlanta, Georgia, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m., Saturday at Maple Hill Cemetery. Services directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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10 Condolence(s)
Pete & Kathy Summerhill
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Our deepest sympathy.
Judi Marvin
Saturday, November 12, 2005
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's death. He sounded like a lovely gentlemen who didn't let too much grass grow underneath his feet. He can look down and continue to observe the going ons of his children and grandchildren and be so proud he was such a big part of keeping your families together. If he was anything like his daughter, Jean, he had a wonderful sense of humor and great ability in making people smile.
Dr. Tom & Mary Lewellen
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
My sympathies
Jim&Ann Hargraves
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Thoughts are with you.
Lala Smith
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Jean, Your Daddy surely lived a life of service, loyalty, commitment, dedication and devotion to his family, his church, his community and his country. What memories you must have. May they sustain you. Blessings to your family.....
Bill and Barbara Surles
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Jean and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. All of the S&C SS Class send their love. Love, Bill And Barbara
Frank and Marion Gunnell
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Jean, Jerry and family, know you are in our thoughts and prayers. In God's Love.
David & Judy Jackson
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Dear Jean & family, God Bless You All...our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, David & Judy
trina & doug padgett
Friday, November 4, 2005
GOD HAS CALLED ANOTHER ANGEL HOME!!TO HIS SIBLINGS MAY GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU AND COMFORT YOU.WE LOVE YOU JIM.TAKE CARE.IF YOU NEED US WE ARE A CALL AWAY.
eddie & peggie chism
Friday, November 4, 2005
God bless you.! Eddie & Peggie Chism