Wallace Samuel Shackelford

On Wednesday, December 15, 2010, Wallace Samuel Shackelford, of Avalon, Pennsylvania, went to be with the Lord at the age of 86. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 20, 1924, he was preceded in death in 2001 by his beloved wife of 52 years, June Frye Shackelford. He is survived by his daughter, Patti Shackelford Larsen; granddaughter, Kelli Larsen Epp, both of San Antonio, Texas; his sister, Jean Shackelford Raguse, of Jackson, Michigan; and by his dearly loved nieces, nephews and friends. Wally was a proud World War II veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines, as well as with the American occupation forces in Yokohama, Japan. While in the Pacific, his unit served in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Wally was known for his love of all things Pittsburgh, especially his Steelers and Pirates, and for his dedication to his family. The light of his life was his granddaughter, Kelli, with whom he enjoyed many special times and shared memories. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staffs of Emeritus at Oakwell Farms, Northeast Baptist Hospital, Dr. Michael Singer at Medical Center Ophthalmology Associates, and VITAS Hospice Care in San Antonio for their loving care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests tax-deductible memorial donations in Wally's name to the National Veterans Legal Services Program, an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan organization which has helped veterans and their families for more than 30 years; www.nvlsp.org; P.O. Box 65762, Washington, D.C. 20035. Wally's family will hold a private celebration of his life in Pittsburgh.