Francis Lewis Shacklette

Francis Lewis Shacklette, 91 years of age, passed away at his home with his family on Friday, November 24, 2023, in Ormond Beach, Florida.
Lewis, known as Louie to his friends and family, was born on July 26, 1932 in Roberta, Kentucky to the late Edward and Ora Shacklette. He was the second of four children and resided in Meade County, Kentucky before joining the United States Army, where he worked in the tank division and was a Drill Sargent.
Lewis married Wanda Dunn Shacklette on February 10, 1968 and they had two children. Lewis professed his life to Christ at the age of nine at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, which was later destroyed by the 1974 Brandenburg tornado.
While in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Knox as well as Germany and also served in the Korean War. After a five-year stint in the military, he returned home to Kentucky, where he worked at International Harvester before purchasing his first truck.
Lewis worked as a truck driver in the Louisville area for a number of years before starting and growing Shacklette Trucking, which helped build the Watterson Expressway along with many major thoroughfares throughout the country. Lewis and Wanda grew the company to as many as 16 trucks and drivers before selling the business and relocating to Florida in 1972.
Lewis ran heavy machinery before transitioning to long-haul over-the-road truck driving. He carried a zest for life, enjoying motorcycles, fishing, boating, country music and spending time with his friends and family. His unique wit and one-liners often kept his family smiling and laughing. Lewis prided himself in being self-taught and usually fixing things himself.
In 1982, Lewis and Wanda, along with their children, returned to Kentucky, where they resided for the next nine years before returning to Florida in 1991. Lewis continued as a truck driver before transitioning to rental property ownership.
Lewis, who called Florida his home for 42 years, was known for his colorfulness and canter, was often the light in the room and never met a stranger, addressing anyone and everyone he met. Lewis never forgot the humble beginnings by which he and his siblings were raised, often times purchasing and delivering items for people in need. The things he valued the most were his loved ones and spending time with them.
Lewis was a Loving and Caring person, devoted husband of 55 years, father, friend and Granddad to many. Lewis is survived by his wife, Wanda, his children, Lisa Shacklette Del Vale, Rafael Del Valle, Edward and Christy Shacklette, his grandchildren Antonio and Brandon Del Valle, Allison Rose, Carter and Chandler Shacklette, his great-grand daughters Mila and Aliyah and his siblings Sue Cummings, J.C. and Don Shacklette.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.