Bradley Allen Shackleford 1985-2011

Bradley Allen Shackleford, son of Evan Bradley Shackleford and Barbara Ann (Allen) Shackleford-Thomas, was born June 23, 1985 in Rolla, Missouri.

Brad attended Dixon Middle School and was a 2003 graduate of Dixon High School.

Upon graduation, Brad opened his own auto aftermarket business, J.B. Performance. He then went to work for Sellers-Sexton Parts Department, worked for Charlie’s Cars as a salesman and Century Link in telemarketing sales. Brad decided to further his education and became a full-time student at Drury University. He had a love for history and was excelling in college. He had a special heart for children.

Brad enjoyed all kinds of music, especially hip hop on his BOSE electronics. He loved being outdoors while floating on the river. He liked basketball, especially the NBA, and going to the gym. He was a car fanatic and enjoyed everything about cars and also selling them. He liked to play his XBOX, traveling to new places and meeting new people.

Brad embraced life. He had a very playful spirit and sense of humor and everyone considered him a gentle giant. He loved his dog Jimmie and referred to him as his buddy. They went everywhere together. Brad never met a stranger and he would befriend people, young and old and always made time to stop and talk. He always had a friendly smile for everyone and was always helping a friend in need. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Brad will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He passed away Friday evening, November 18, 2011, as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on Hwy 28 near Dixon at the age of 26 years, 4 months and 26 days.

Brad leaves to cherish his memory his parents: Evan Shackleford (Nancy) of Dixon and Barbara Shackleford-Thomas (Jim) of Dixon; grandparents: Shelby and Charlotte Allen of Crocker; aunts and uncles: Butchy and Gene Newkirk of St. Robert, Karen Espinoza and Jamie Clark of Rolla, Kenny Allen (Sherri) of Dixon, Rhonda Allen of Waynesville, Sandy Trumbo of Lebanon, Kevin Johnson of Rolla, Tommy Allen of St. Robert and Eric Paul Shackleford of San Diego, CA; cousins: Raymond Espinoza, Christina Underwood, Jennifer Turner, Johnathon Allen, Kyle Allen, Brittany Allen, Austin Allen, Kris Newkirk, Kyle Newkirk and Madison Trumbo; step siblings: Jennifer Thomas, Jeffrey Thomas, Derek Houser and Julie Bayha; special family friends: John and Betty Thilges of Dixon and many other relatives and friends. Brad will also be greatly missed by a very special buddy, his dog, Jimmie.

Brad was preceded in death by his “Granny” Shirley Stevenson, “Pop” Robert Stevenson, Grandpa Henry P. Shackleford, Jr. and Aunt baby Suzanna Allen.

Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Brian Hellard and Richard Baptiste officiating. Brad’s aunt, Sandy Trumbo read a beautiful poem written by Brad’s mother, Barbara Shackleford-Thomas. Several family members and friends recalled their wonderful memories of Brad. The songs “See You When I See You”, “You Raise ME Up”, “From This Moment”, “Amazing Grace”, “Someday”, “Ave Maria”, “I Can Only Imagine” and “I’ll Be Missing You” were played. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.