Dr. John Murphy Shackleford

A 1957 graduate of Springhill College, Dr. Shackleford obtained a Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of Alabama Medical School in Birmingham. Following post-doctoral work in Biophysics at the University of Arizona, he taught Anatomy at the Medical Schools of the University of Alabama, Birmingham and the University of South Alabama for thirty-three years. He conducted a visiting professorship at the University of Oslo. He was also one of the founders of the Medical School at the University of South Alabama. At the University of South Alabama Medical School he was Chairman of Anatomy and Assistant Dean of Admissions.

Upon retirement from University of South Alabama, he enrolled in the Graduate theology program at Springhill College and in 1992 was awarded a Master of Arts in Theology. Applying both his scientific background and his theological training, he was a frequent lecturer and teacher. He also authored seven books and numerous articles related to biblical studies, science, and religion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Mitchell Shackleford and Myrtice Brannan Shackleford; and his brother, Robert Mitchell Shackleford, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jeanne Culivan Shackleford; his daughters, Mrs. Jeanne (Andy) Freeman-Smith of Mobile, AL and Mrs. Petty (Kent) Brechin of Enterprise, AL; a sister, Christine Shackleford Kelly of New Hampshire; and two granddaughters, Jeanne Marie Freeman and Mary Margaret Freeman both of Mobile.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at Radney Funeral Home, Mobile, with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, from Our Savior Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.