Albert Ray Shankle

1940 - 2016

Albert Ray Shankle

September 9, 1940

November 25, 2016

Albert Ray Shankle passed away in his home in Genoa, Nevada, on November 25, 2016.

Al was born on September 9, 1940, in Hartford, Arkansas, to Alva "Shorty" and Bernice Shankle. He graduated from Hartford in 1958 and left for California to begin his career in the construction industry as a foreman for Shaw Construction. By age 30, Al had held numerous positions in the Company and was promoted to President. In July 1980, he took a leap of faith and founded Al Shankle Construction, which quickly achieved tremendous success and is still in operation today. In 1984, Al served as President of California's Associated General Contractor's Association (AGC) and worked closely with Governor Deukmejian to lobby for changes that optimized construction law, leaving a lasting positive impact on the trade. During Al's nearly 60-year career, he was the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Gold Nugget Award for excellence in building and design. He completed projects for clients such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, UPS, and Farmer Brothers. He loved his job and continued to go to the office every day until two weeks before his passing. Al possessed a remarkable work ethic that was widely admired.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Susan, daughter Julie Smith and her husband Mark, and son Kevin Shankle and his wife Wendi, who all loved him very much. He is survived by nine beautiful grandchildren: Jeremy (Stephanie), Meghan, and Lindsey Smith; Brittany (Luke) Mollett; Melaney and Jessica Shankle; Kimberly Blakely; and Amber and Amanda Richey. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Addison, Ezra, Avery, and Jaxon Smith; and Aliyah Shankle. He adored them all! He will also be greatly missed by his loyal companion, Sadie.

There will be a graveside service at the Hartford cemetery in Hartford, Arkansas, with Dewayne Edwards, Jeremy Smith, Johnny Edwards, Craig Edwards, Kevin Shankle, and Claude Johnson serving as pallbearers. Dr. Tom Harris will preside over the service, and God will be waiting with open arms!