William "Bill" Shackleford, Jr.

William B. Shackleford, Jr., age 78, of Crestview, FL, passed away Wednesday evening, July 17, 2019, after a short illness.  Born October 6, 1940, in Teetersville, KY, the son of William B. Shackleford and Bertha (Shepherd) Shackleford.  Bill, Shack, to his friends, left the coal mining hills of SE Kentucky and joined the United States Air Force in Feb 1960.  He was stationed at Chanute AFB, Champagne, Illinois. Here he met the love of his life, Nancy Jane DePonte and they married in Jan 1962.  Bill was a retired veteran of 21 years in the Air Force; including two tours in Vietnam and a brief homestead in the Philippines. During his active duty time, he received his Bachelors of Science from the University of Tampa 1971 in his Masters of Science from the University of Florida 1977.  Bill had his father's talent for engineering and tinkering. His experience and love for building things led him to building an underground house with the help of his wife and his sons.  Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Nancy Jane (DePonte) Shackleford and four sons and their families. Adam and Gretchen Shackleford of Plano, TX, Kevin and Judy Shackleford of Crestview, FL, Jason Shackleford of Aliquippa, PA, Brian and Amy Shackleford and Crestview, FL. He has 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by an older brother, David Shackleford in Scottsdale, AZ.

A celebration of life service for William B. Shackleford, Jr. will be held on 22 July from 6-8 PM at The New Beginnings Church in Crestview, FL. There will be a viewing at McLaughlin Mortuary in Ft Walton Beach on 23 July from 6-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Beginnings Church in Crestview, FL.  Expressions of love and sympathy can be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com

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