Arthur Thomas Shifflett

Arthur Thomas Shifflett, 88, followed the Christmas star to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 21, 2020 after a brief residence at Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.

He leaves his beloved wife, Ethel, whom he would have celebrated 69 years of marriage with on January 5, 2021; cherished daughter, Brenda Miller and husband Chris; grandchildren, Cynthia and Jonathan; and great-grandchildren, Braxton, Katelynn, and Chase. He is also survived by his brothers, George William "Bunky", and Earl Shifflett, both of Maryland; and sister Eleanor Shifflett, of Yorktown, Virginia.

Mr. Shifflett was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Louimonia Frazier Shifflett; and siblings, Daniel, James, Dewey, Mary, Hattie, and Blanche.

Born May 6, 1932, Arthur was eight years old when his family was displaced from their mountain home to allow for the creation of the Shenandoah National Park. His family moved to Boonesville, where he lived for the remainder of his eighty years. Mr. Shifflett was employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. He worked his entire career at the Free Union station, retiring after forty-five years of faithful and dedicated service. While working at VDOT, he made many lifetime friends.

He was an active member of Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church in Boonesville, Virginia where he served on the vestry for many years. He was also a lifetime trustee of the Prize Hill Cemetery Association, and a trustee of the Mission Home Cemetery Association.

Arthur loved gardening, and truly enjoyed sharing vegetables he had grown with his neighbors and community members. He also liked to help his wife, Ethel, with her canning. For many years, Arthur and Ethel would host their traditional Sunday dinner for their family. Arthur's main job was preparing the mashed potatoes, which he took pride in, and insisted on making. His grandchildren say his mashed potatoes could not be beaten.

He was an avid huntsman and enjoyed deer, squirrel, and rabbit hunting. He looked forward to hunting season each year to hunt with his brother James and nephew Richard (whom he considered a son he never had). They too enjoyed Sunday dinner before heading home to Maryland.

Arthur had many happy memories spending time with, and rabbit hunting with, his childhood friend of 80 years, Forrest Walton.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at 1pm, at Prize Hill Cemetery, Boonesville, Virginia. The service will be officiated by Reverend Dwain "Chock" Johnson and Father Henry Minich. Hymns, special to the family, will be lifted to the heavens by members of Faith Mission Home. Teague Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.

The family wishes to thank all for the phone calls, food, and cards that have been sent. A special thank you for the kindness, care, and compassion given by the staff of Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

The family suggests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to Mission Home Cemetery Association, C/O Janet Curry, Treasurer, 277 Jefferson Street, Orange, Virginia, 22960.