David Edwards Shacklett, M.D.

David E. Shacklett, M.D., Colonel, USAF, Medical Corp (retired), Board Certified Ophthalmologist, was called to his Heavenly home January 22, 2024 at the age of 88. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia November 12, 1935, the second son of Henry Lamar Shacklett and Martha Edwards Shacklett. He graduated from Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, received his B.A. degree from Emory University and his M.D. degree from Emory University School of Medicine. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega college fraternity and Phi Chi medical fraternity. During his senior year he met a beautiful student nurse from Waycross, Georgia, Toni Sapp and thus began a lifelong love affair. After completing Internship at Madigan Army Hospital and Flight Surgeon training at the School of Aerospace Medicine he was assigned to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing in Spangdahlem, Germany where he soon became Chief of Flight Medicine. He was named the 17th Air Force Flight Surgeon of the Year and was honored to participate in several NASA Gemini-Titan missions at the tracking station in the Canary Islands. His next assignment was Chief of Flight Medicine at Maxwell A.F.B. prior to returning to Emory for an Ophthalmology Residency and Fellowship training in Retina. Additional training was obtained at Harvard and Johns Hopkins. His remaining Air Force career was in San Antonio, first at the School of Aerospace Medicine as Chief of the Clinical Ophthalmology Function and then at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center where he soon was named Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Director of Ophthalmology Resident Training and Consultant and Special Assistant to the USAF Surgeon General for Ophthalmology. His many awards included the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was an honor graduate of the Air War College, served as President of the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons and the Society of Military Ophthalmologists.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, he joined the faculty at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio as Professor and Deputy Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology until he elected to enter the private practice of ophthalmology where he continued until his retirement. He was a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Texas Ophthalmological Association, the San Antonio Society of Ophthalmology, the Texas Medical Association, and the Bexar County Medical Society. He was credited with numerous presentations and publications.

Dr. Shacklett was very active in community, civic, and church activities. A longtime member of Board of Directors, Boysville, he was honored as a Guardian Angel. He was active in the Baylor Parent’s League serving a term as President of the San Antonio chapter. He was a two-term elected member of the Board of Trustees, Northeast Independent School District, serving twice as the Board President. In this capacity he led the Board to mandate that NEISD would become tobacco free, the first school district in Texas to do so. For this leadership he was presented an award by the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. He was a Honorary Life Member in the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers. A Little League football, basketball, and baseball coach, he believed in community and commitment.

Wherever he lived Dr. Shacklett was active in his church. A devoted Christian he lived and practiced his faith, in family, professional, community, and civic activities as well as church and religious areas. As a youth leader, Sunday School teacher, lay leader, committee member, physician and Air Force officer he desired to touch lives for his Lord. Most of all he desired that his family would daily feel his love for them but also they would know his Lord’s love for them.

He is survived by his precious wife of 61 years, Toni Shacklett: his daughter, Dena S. Nunn and her husband Greg Nunn; his son, David E. Shacklett, Jr.; grand-daughters, Carley M. Davis and her husband Zachary Davis, and Shelby N. Nunn; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

CELEBRATION OF LIFESATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 202411:00 A.M.PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPELWITH A RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

A private graveside service with full military honors will be held on a later date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to: San Antonio Chapter of CMDA, I Care San Antonio, or Christian Ophthalmology Society.