1938 - 2022
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you"
(Psalm 116:7)
"Shack" or "Big Dad" or "Catfish", was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 26, 1938 to Whitcomb Riley Shackelford and Elizabeth Wilbanks Shackelford. He was raised in Houston and met his true love, India, in 1956 as a freshman at Baylor University. Shack was the president of his fraternity at Baylor, Tryon Coterie, and graduated with a BBA degree from the Hankamer School of Business.
After graduating in 1960 the newly married Shackelfords moved to Houston where he joined his father selling spices at the Shackelford Brokerage Company. In 1968, Shack began a lengthy, successful career in investment management when he became a stockbroker and ultimately a branch manager with E.F. Hutton. Shack's love and ability to lead, inspire, and draw out the best in others became evident in his work and in his personal life.
In 1975, Shack was recruited to run the branch office of Loeb Rhodes in San Antonio. The move placed the family closer to the hunting and fishing in south Texas which they all love. Their adventuresome life continued with their two boys, Clint and David, as he led them into exciting times sailing in the Caribbean, hunting in Africa, fishing in Alaska and on the gulf coast. He was later recruited to run the San Antonio branch of Rotan Mosle, and in 1986 he established a branch office for Smith Barney in San Antonio. He ultimately became director for the southwest region at Smith Barney where he was responsible for 15 offices and over 500 stockbrokers in multiple states.
After retiring at an early age (59), he purchased a south Texas property. On that ranch he and India built an incredible wildlife sanctuary. Until it's sale in 2021, Shack ran the ranch with the same precision and enthusiasm he developed as a businessman.
Shack was blessed with a strong faith in God and was an active member of Dilley Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, teacher, finance committee member and a general lovable, giving and entertaining friend of many in that church and community.
As his health declined, Bill continued using his gift of encouraging others wherever he was, whether brilliantly trading stocks in his office, teaching bible studies, telling stories, or confined to a hospital bed. Shack lived life to its full abundance, collecting friends and devotees along the way with his extraordinary wit, unforgettable catchphrases "Shackisms", and brilliance and joyful spirit. The delights of his intellect were many and a gift he shared with all of us.
He is survived by his wife, India, of San Antonio, his son, Clint and wife Buffy of San Antonio, his son, David and wife duVergne of Los Angeles, California, grandsons, Will Shackelford and Henry Shackelford of San Antonio, and many loved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins, grand nieces, grand nephews, friends, and grand dogs. The family would like to thank his caregivers, Angie Montfort and Bibi Maytorena for their loving faithful care of him as well as Vitas Hospice for their dedication to Shack's comfort as he transitioned to his eternal life. A special thanks to doctors Lopez, DeLee, Weinstein, and McKenzie & team for their loving care. For those who desire, memorial contributions can be made to:
Dilley Baptist Church
PO Box 1968
Dilley, Tx. 78017
Believe It Foundation
4242 Broadway, #706
San Antonio, Tx 78209
or to the charity of your choice
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Keith Ignace
September 14, 2024
Rest in peace Bill.
Keith Ignace
December 29, 2022
I worked with Bill in the late 1980's at Smith Barney. Bill was true professional. My deepest condolences to the Shackleford family. Rest in peace Bill.
Steve Austin
June 6, 2022
Shack had a meaningful and lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally. He clearly demonstrated how powerful it was to make others feel valued. His sense of humor was infectious and his zest for life was contagious. Happy fishing and smooth sailing, old friend.
Amy Martinez
April 26, 2022
I was honored to have the pleasure of caring for Mr. Bill for about 6 months. From the very first day I met him we clicked and formed a wonderful friendship. He was truly one of a kind. It's not often you meet someone that will make such and impact on your life. He had such a larger than life personality and had the most amazing stories. He had a wealth of knowledge and I really learned some thing new every day. He adored his wonderful wife Mrs. India and talked about his sons all the time and talked about how proud he was. I loved to hear all the stories of their adventures from around the world. I truly was blessed to have him in my life even if for just a short time. I know you are finally out of pain and dancing with the angels. Until we meet again my friend. God bless.
Robert Poffinbarger
April 18, 2022
You were responsible for some of the happiest times of my life. I will see you again soon.
Jim Cadena
April 17, 2022
The Life Lessons I learned from Mr. Shackelford, both publishable and non, would fill an encyclopedia. His love for family, generosity to all, direct with advice...what a role model. Even though our families had lost touch over the years, Mr. and Mrs. Shack, "Dwave" and "Glenn" have always been in our hearts and minds...and are very much so today. Peace and Comfort to you all!
.
April 17, 2022
WHAT A REAL MAN, SHACK, WAS.
LARGER THAN LIFE, GENUINE ADVICE FROM THE HEART, AND HEARTY LAUGHTER.
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER BILL SHACKELFORD, THE 'AURORA', PICKLED PEPPERS, AND LOTS OF LAUGHTER.
BEAUTIFUL SOUL. JOURNEY ON INTO YOUR CELESTIAL HOME...
Dee and Gloria Keller
April 17, 2022
We have wonderful memories of time spent with the Shackelford family. Bill was "one of a kind" and we smile just thinking of him. He will be remembered and missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers to India, the boys and families.
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