Funeral services for R. P. Shackelford, Bolivar, Tenn., were held January 11 at Shackelford Funeral Home. Services were conducted by the writer and Tom Childers. Brother Shackelford started a funeral home in Savannah in 1926. In 1932 he moved to Bolivar, founding another funeral home. Shackelford funeral homes also exist at Selmer and Adamsville. Brother Shackelford played violin with both the Nashville and Memphis Symphony Orchestra. He had served Bolivar as both alderman and mayor, and was president of the Bank of Bolivar at the time of his death. He had served on the advisory board of Freed-Hardeman College, and had contributed to other Christian colleges. He also helped send students to Mid-South Youth Camp, and made special contributions to other worthy efforts. Brother Shackelford was a member of the church of Christ and worshipped with the congregation at Bolivar. Surviving are his widow, Evelyn Hooper Shackelford of Bolivar; two sons, Bob Shackelford of Savannah, Tenn. and Don Shackelford of Bolivar. Both Bob and Don are active members of the church where they reside. Brother Shackelford was known by many preachers due to their association with him at various Shackelford funeral homes. The many who came from out of town also indicated the many friends he had in West Tennessee and in other areas. He shall be missed by Bolivar and adjoining areas for years to come. -Malcom George, Gospel Advocate, February 17, 1977, page 109.

Robert Paisley Shackelford, Sr., the only child of R. E. and Loura, married the former Kathryne Hall and together they moved from Savannah to Bolivar, Tennessee, opening the second Shackelford Funeral Home in 1932. At that time, there were six other establishments in the county that furnished funeral merchandise. The business which was located in a building on the south side of court square, moved to the east side in 1934. They moved to their present facility on Mecklenburg Drive in 1964. As active in the business as was her husband, Kathryne worked in the Bolivar office until her sudden death in 1961. R. P., Sr., known to his friends as Paisley, remained active in the firm until his death in January 1977. At that time, his younger son, Don Hall Shackelford became the manager, a position he held until his sudden death on December 31, 2000. The present manager is Don's son, Jeff. - Shackelford Funeral Directors' Website