Micheal "Shack" Shackelford

Micheal "Shack" Shackelford, 41, of Las Vegas, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 5, 2013. He was born May 3, 1972, in Austin, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in computer science and a minor in business from Sam Houston State University. Micheal proudly served his country and received his honorable discharge in 1993 from the U.S. Army. During his service, he was awarded the following medals Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Marksman Badge with M16 Rifle Component Bar, Sharpshooter Badge with Grenade and Dragon Gunner Component Bars, Expert Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal. After moving to Las Vegas, Micheal began a successful career in the gaming business in Las Vegas. He joined Bally Technologies in 2001, where he served as senior developer and product manager. During his career, Micheal was awarded numerous patents in gaming development. Micheal was a loving son to his mother, Cindy Shackelford and was a loving and committed father to his daughters, Macey Shackelford (10) and Kamryn Shackelford (13). In April 2011, Micheal married the love of his life, Dr. Robyn Donaldson. Although Micheal and Robyn were only married for two short years, they were together for seven and were deeply in love. They honeymooned in Ireland, and loved all things Irish. They enjoyed camping with the girls and singing loudly on all their car trips. Micheal was known to wake the family and the cats by shooting them with Nerf guns. Their family was filled with love and fun. His favorite car of all time, although not his own, was Absinthe, a bright green Challenger. Micheal knew he was greatly favored when Absinthe's owner, Laine Campbell, allowed him to drive her car. Micheal is survived by his mother, Cindy Shackelford of Houston; uncles, Bill Shackelford and David and Corina Shackelford; cousins, Wendi Coleman, Chris and Sara Shackelford and children, Jeffrey and Sydney, Phillip Shackelford and children, Donovan, Kade, and Aubrie Grace, and Leah and Paul Knipple and children, Wren and Willow. Micheal is survived by his mother-in-law, Vicki Donaldson-Taylor; her sister, Sharon Roberts; and brothers-in-law, James Taylor, Chase Taylor and Gregory Pelletier. He is also survived by his father-in-law, Rossi Ralenkotter and his wife, Mary Jo; along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as nephews and nieces, Kathy Ralenkotter Keating and husband, John Keating, and children, Caroline and Bridget, Todd and Laurie Ann Ralenkotter, and children, Austin, Alexa and Ashton, Tiffany and Jared Chupaila, and children, Mia and Jaxon, and Tami Nilsen and children, Michael and Ryan. Micheal was blessed with many close and loving friends including Kevin Taylor and Eric Myers, Mike Dubose and many co-workers at Ballys. Visitation will be 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, with funeral services following, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave. Graveside services will be at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Micheal Shackelford Children's Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank Account No. 3678886429.