Gary Leon Shackelford, 74, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away from a well-lived life on Monday, July 13, 2026, surrounded by much love and loved ones. Gary was born January 9, 1952 in Wichita, Kansas, one of four brothers and two sisters raised by Dorothy (Cobb) Smith, a devoted single mom full of love & grit. Dad loved Granny dearly and gave her flowers on Mother’s Day & chocolates on Father’s Day every year.

Our family’s team captain was the most gentle, kindest, sweetest person ever known to us. “Work hard, do your best, and let God take care of the rest,” he said often. He was a loving son, a caring brother, a fantastic husband, an adoring father, and a kind friend. Gary thanked God each and every day for the wonderful life he was allowed to live. His family is grieving, but are deeply grateful for so many happy memories.

Dad grew up in Washington County. He walked the Ozarks and the train tracks, read “Tarzan,” loved to dance and listened to Elvis & the Beatles. He was the first class president at Southwest Junior High, and a lightning fast running back there, too - coaches had to line him up 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Gary and Deanna met in junior high, graduated from Springdale High School, and married on Sept. 10, 1971. They were in love, happy & at peace together for almost sixty years.

Gary loved life! He loved cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, clean cars & well cared-for lawns. He watched “Andy Griffith” reruns. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and the quiet of the house on Ridgecrest Street. He loved seeing the tops of trees as the summer winds made them sway. He was always happy & optimistic. He built from scratch (twice!) a train table complete with his favorite Lionel 6464s. He worked hard all his life to provide. There aren’t words to describe how much he loved us.

Gary spent years playing catch & practicing baseball with his son in an idyllic backyard. He loved his Super Bowl parties & prizes. He enjoyed Doe’s and Hugo’s and Susan’s and especially Las Palmas in Tontitown. He loved attending St. Joseph Catholic Church with mom on Sunday mornings, and taking his family to the Grape Festival every August. He was famous for his (world’s best) french toast, served to perfection every Christmas morning.

He & mom made it to the gondolas in Venice, to the pier from where Columbus sailed for the New World, and a Grand Canyon in Arizona. They took cruises to Boston, Nova Scotia, Alaska, Vancouver, Bahamas and more. They drove Oahu and walked its beaches, admired the Sistine Chapel, and said ‘hello there’ to Paris & London & Amarillo.

Dad took us to see Hyde Park, Cooperstown and Yankee Stadium. He waved to the nation on the “Today” show. He visited the Lincoln Memorial & Wrigley Field. He took his family to see Paul McCartney in concert. He collected keychains and magnets and memories.

Gary could fix anything. He believed in Jesus. And our papa bear had the world’s biggest heart. His hugs - his hugs were the best hugs. He sacrificed to make us safe. He was deeply patient. He made us laugh. He was caring, curious and honest. He was good people, as they say. He always said “I love you,” always waved a big goodbye, and always smiled wide when he said hello. And he meant it. He was happy in this life.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deanna; his son & daughter-in-law, Scott & Elizabeth; brothers Lonnie (Carol) and Tim (Kathy); sisters Donna & Jeannette (Curtis), sister-in-law Lynnette and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, older brother (Don Jr.), and daughter, Lisa Ann.

Gary loved his pets and never forgot Bruce, LG, Brandy, Shadow, sweet Gracie, and Willow. Wrigley and Margot adore & already miss him.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Tontitown. To leave an online tribute, please visit Heritage Funeral Home www.heritageofnwa.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Safety Center in Springdale.

We love you, dad. Oh so very, very much. We will see you in our dreams, and thoughts, and prayers, hopes, and everywhere, really. God bless you.