John Thomas Shackelford

John Thomas Shackelford, 55, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 9th at his home in Chelsea, Alabama, with his loving wife by his side.

Born November 16, 1969, to Margie and Joseph Shackelford, in Chicago, Illinois. John was the first-born son to Margie and Joseph and had two other siblings. John moved around with his family during childhood and eventually landed in Wisconsin. John worked in construction, building custom homes before starting his career as a truck driver. He loved trucking and hauled for many companies, most recently with Dunn Construction. John met and fell in love with his wife, Kelly, in February 2015 and married later in July. After their time in Wisconsin, in 2020 John and Kelly settled in Chelsea to be nearer to their children and families.

John was also lovingly known as “Shack” and “Grumpa”.

John was passionate, hardworking, and determined. He adored being and working outdoors, riding his motorcycles, and loved trains. He enjoyed working with his hands and getting dirty perfecting his property and creating his homestead. He had an ongoing list of projects and could be found working on all or one of them at any given time. John excelled at planning and seeing these projects and plans come to life.  John enjoyed playing monster trucks with his grandson, working on cars, and shooting fireworks when he got the chance. He had a mean sweet tooth for candy and being a huntsman for “The Best Banana Pudding in the World.” Grilling, collecting firearms guns, starting gardens, and long walks through the flea market with Kelly were also on his list of favorites. John’s love and loyalty for his family, pets, friends and the things he worked hard for were unmatched.

 A dedicated husband, caring stepparent, and a proud grandparent, son, brother, uncle and friend.

John leaves behind his wife, Kelly Shackelford, stepdaughter, Rachel (Derek) Scott; stepson, Matthew (Sarah) Aiken and grandchild, Jackson Scott. He is also survived by his parents, Margie and Joseph Shackelford; his sister, Direnda Shackelford; and brother, Joe Shackelford (Mechelle); along with nephew, Tyler Shackelford, two nieces, Alexis Shackelford, Brianna (John) Lott; great nephew, Camden Ardell; and best friend, Ron Runkles. Also, his beloved dog, Birdie.

A Memorial will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Quarry Church,

 7183 Highway 119 Alabaster, Alabama 35007.