Darrel "Sugar Shack" Shackelford, age 79, of Sulligent, AL, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at North MS Medical Center-Gilmore in Amory, MS.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 2:00pm at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Military Honors Graveside services and burial to follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.  Bro. Glenn Hughes and Bro. B.J. Mills to officiate.  Visitation will be held at the church prior to the funeral service from 1:00pm until 2:00pm.

Pallbearers: Rex Shackelford, Jr., Tim Clark, Jamie Berryhill, Logan McLin, Shae Taylor, and Tim Dillard

Darrel was born on October 9, 1944 in Memphis, TN to the late Claude and Mary Neal Shackelford, Sr.  Darrel and his family lived in various places in Mississippi, Alabama, Ohio and Arkansas before his family moved to Sulligent, AL in 1958. He attended several schools until entering the 5th grade at Sulligent Elementary and graduated SHS in 1965. Darrel played high school football for 4 years and lettered 3 of those years. After graduating high school, Darrel worked for three months in Amory, MS before joining the United States Air Force in August of 1965. In 1967 Darrel married Rebecca Sue Hollis and they were blessed with two children, John and Traci.  Darrel served at 4 Air Force bases during his 3 years 10 months and 10 days of active duty as an Air Traffic controller and his last 11 months and 28 days  were served at DaNang Air Force Base in the Republic of Vietnam.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, Darrel was awarded 9 medals , 1 Silver Star and 1 V for valor attachments for his medals. He was awards were as follows: Bronze Star Medal (by order of President Richard M. Nixon for actions in Vietnam), Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with a V for Valor, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star attachment, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Repulic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm leaf attachment.

After returning to civilian life on July 2, 1969, Darrel returned to work in Amory, MS and worked there until December 1972 when he was hired by NACCO Material Handling Group at the Sulligent Plant.  Darrel became disabled on September 28, 2006 after 33 years of service to NACCO.  Darrel enjoyed woodworking.  His loving memory will always be cherished and greatly missed.

Survived By:

Son: John (Tabitha) Shackelford, Sulligent, AL

Daughter: Traci (Jerry Don) Gaby, Sulligent, AL

Brothers: Rex Earl (Christine) Shackelford, Sulligent, AL

Eddie Dean Shackelford, Sulligent, AL

Sisters: Pauline Howard, Sulligent, AL

Mary Ann (Ray) Phipps, Caledonia, MS

Linda (Glenn) Hughes, Hatley, MS

Grandchildren: Sarah Nolen, Ryan Nolen,

Austin Shackelford, Trevor Gaby, Gabriella Gaby,

and Austin Nichols (Lynn)

A host of Nieces and Nephews

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Claude F. and Mary Neal Shackelford, Sr.

Wife: Rebecca Sue Hollis Shackelford

Brothers: Claude F. Shackelford, Jr. and Everett Shackelford

Sister: Maudine Webb

Brothers In Law: James W. Webb, Charlie Johnson, and James Leon Howard

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing