Obituary: Jonathan David Shackelford
Mr. Jonathan David Shackelford, known best to all as “Jon,” passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, June 17, 2026, at his home. His passing followed a courageous and deeply inspiring battle with ALS.
A native of Lenoir County, Jon was born on April 9, 1973, the son of Jerry Dwain Shackelford and Pat Carroll. Jon grew up in the Hookerton Community and spent his summers working hard in the family farming operations. He treasured those days, learning the land and working alongside his father, grandfather, and brother. Jon was a true outdoorsman at heart. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who relished every opportunity to be out in nature.
His passion for sports began early. While attending his alma mater, Parrott Academy, Jon was a gifted athlete who played multiple sports. The highlight of his high school tenure was being a proud member of the Parrott Academy state championship football team. After graduating, Jon attended Lenoir Community College before settling into the family farming business full-time.
Jon's love for sports never faded. He remained a loyal, lifelong fan of the UNC Tar Heels and the Philadelphia Eagles. While he loved all sports, nothing brought him greater joy than when he was watching his son, David, play baseball at any age.
Throughout his brave battle with ALS, Jon and his family were wrapped in the love of an incredible community. They were blessed by relatives and friends who showered them with constant support. The family extends a special thank you to the dedicated prayer group that lifted Jon and his loved ones up daily.
Jon faced his illness with immense strength, quiet dignity, and unwavering faith. The words from II Timothy 4:7 perfectly reflect the spirit of his journey: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Jon’s battle is over.
Jon is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Melissa Anderson Shackelford; his son, Jonathan “David” Shackelford, Jr.; mother, Pat Carroll of Kinston; brothers, Jay Shackelford and wife Laura of Winterville, and Jack Castleberry and wife Kara of Rivers Edge, NJ; nieces and nephews, Jeri Shackelford, Jonna Shackelford, Amelia Castleberry, Harper Castleberry, Avery Castleberry, Hunter Edmundson and his fiancé Gabrielle Green; great-niece, Aspen Edmundson; a paternal aunt, Susan Shackelford Baker of Fort Collins, Colorado; and sister-in-law, Michelle Edmundson of Kinston.
Jon was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Dwain Shackelford; paternal grandparents, Jerry H. and Evelyn Sutton Shackelford; maternal grandparents, Bill and Dorothy Carroll; and brother-in-law, Scott Edmundson.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2 PM Saturday, June 20th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Pastor Allen Ham officiating. The family will greet friends and extended relatives immediately following the service and other times at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jon’s memory are encouraged to the ALS Association (Raleigh chapter) www.als.org/support/states/north-carolina
Condolences may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com
