Virginius Randolph Shackelford III

Virginius Randolph Shackelford III (“Shack�) died on Saturday, May 14, 2022, while making a valiant effort to recover from complications from injuries that he sustained while fox hunting in October, 2017. Shack was the son of Carroll Kem Shackelford and V.R. Shackelford Jr., both of whom predeceased him, as did his sister, C. Preston Shackelford. Shack is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane L. Shackelford; Shack commented often on the happiness of his marriage, and he took particular delight in the many times that others described it as an inspiration. Shack also is survived by his son, V. Randolph Shackelford IV (Katrina); his grandson, V.R. Shackelford V (“Ford�); his sisters, Mary G.L. Shackelford (James S.C. Burke) and Kem S. Courtenay (Roger); six nieces, a nephew and many cousins. Shack was a seventh-generation descendant of Thomas Jefferson on his father’s side and the grandson of U.S. Senator James P. Kem of Missouri on his mother’s side.

Shack graduated in 1960 as valedictorian from Grymes Memorial School, a K - 8 school in Orange that his mother helped found and to which Shack was devoted. He served multiple terms as Chairman of the Board and was an Emeritus Trustee until his death. Shack graduated with high honors from Woodberry Forest School in 1964. He was also devoted to Woodberry and served as its legal counsel from 1976 until his accident, taking pride in having served the administrations of four headmasters. Shack graduated with honors from Princeton University in 1968 and then served as Lt (jg) in the U.S. Navy until 1971, mostly home-ported in Naples, Italy. After his honorable discharge, Shack continued in the path of his parents and grandfathers into law, graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1974, where he captured the heart of his classmate, Jane, whom he married in 1975. Shack remained the heart and soul of his law school class, chairing most of its reunions, replete with a bevy of non-traditional activities.

Following graduation from law school, Shack returned to Orange to practice law in the firm founded by his grandfather and in which his father was a partner. Working out of busy offices in Orange and Culpeper, he handled a breathtaking number and range of cases in numerous jurisdictions. Shack was Madison County’s first County Attorney, and he enjoyed serving in that role from 1976 until his accident caused him to have to retire in late 2018. He served on the Board of the Shenandoah National Park Trust for many years and was serving as an Emeritus Trustee at his death. He served as an officer and Trustee of the Gordonsville Medical Aid Fund for almost 40 years. He also served as President of the local bar association, was named to Best Lawyers in America, and earned the Tradition of Excellence Award from the Virginia State Bar’s General Practice Section where he was described as “the classic model for a country lawyer�. Shack was an outstanding lawyer, dedicated to his clients and a gentleman to all. He was a gifted writer and a captivating storyteller.

His out-of-office life was legendary among his numerous friends and fellow adventurers. Whether paddling challenging white water rivers around the world in an open boat or floating the Rapidan alone with a cooler after work, whether fox hunting with ODH (former member of the Board), KHC (former outrider at the Montpelier Races), BRH, the Rapidan Hunt or the Montpelier Hunt, all of which awarded him colors, or riding trails from Brampton with his family, whether biking from Banff to Jasper or riding the back roads of Madison County, including 30 straight years in the Tour de Madison which he helped found, and whether hiking in the Alps or scampering up his favorite spots in the SNP, he thrived on adventure, relished experiences in nature and cherished the company of his outdoors-loving companions.

Shack was often described as larger than life, irrepressible and one of a kind, and he was known for his indomitable spirit, high energy level and infectious enthusiasm. These traits co-existed with a genuine kindness, a quiet gentleness, a genteel demeanor and a generous and joyful heart. It is his heart for which he will be most remembered. Shack loved his family and countless friends, community, legal career, and the activities mentioned above, but then he loved so many things: to dance; to host raccoon hunts for all ages with Brunswick stew and a bonfire; to attend hunt balls and point-to-points; to participate in jousting tournaments when younger; to play tennis, golf, squash, croquet, backgammon, chess, bridge and more; to take kids on pony rides, motor scooter rides and rides on the flatbed; to give toasts; to read a wildly eclectic range of newspapers and magazines; to bushwhack; to get more out of a day by ignoring the weather; and so much more. He was clearly his own man. The accompanying photo was taken in 2016 on the 40th anniversary of the New Year’s Day hike up Old Rag that he organized for friends every year. Shack inspired untold numbers of people throughout his life, especially with his grace, positivity and perseverance following his accident. Although our loss is painful, Shack’s magnetic smile and an incalculable number of exceptionally happy memories will stay forever with the many of us who adored him.

The family is grateful to all those who enriched Shack’s life, including his friend of almost 40 years, Eugene V. Washington III, his assistant for almost 15 years, Tabatha D. O’Neill, and, more recently, Edward D. Bowers Jr.

Interment will be private. A small service of remembrance will be held later this summer.