William Elton “Bill” Shackelford, Sr., 66, died Jan. 31, 2016, at his residence in Las Vegas, Nev.  Bill was born Aug. 17, 1949, in Bluffton to the late Ralph and Elvira Gress Shackelford.

Bill retired from the U.S. Army in 1988 after 20 years where he had served in Viet Nam and then became a recruiter.  He had also worked in auto sales in Marietta, Ga., from 1990 – 1992 and 14 years in Las Vegas working at McCarran Airport for Huntleigh Corp. as a driver.  Bill graduated from Cory-Rawson High School in 1967 where he played on the undefeated football team in 1966.

Survivors include two sons, William E. “Billy” (Missy) Shackelford, Jr. of Kennesaw, Ga.,   John L. Shackelford of Denver, Colo.,  two brothers, Ralph L. Shackelford of Bluffton,  Harold E. Shackelford of Honolulu, Hawaii,  two sisters,  Linda (Lennis) Core of Pandora,  Marilyn (Bryan) Van Scoy of Findlay,  several grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a grandson. 

The family will receive friends Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton, followed by a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. 

Burial of the cremated remains with military rites will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cory-Rawson Football Dept., 3930 Co. Rd. 26, Rawson, OH 45881.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com