John "Sam" Shackelford

John “Sam” Shackelford, 81, of Pampa, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024 in Pampa.

Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Jim Sinyard, pastor of Carpenter’s Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Mobeetie Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Sam was born January 14, 1943 in Wheeler to Jack and Odessa Shackelford. He was raised and attended school in Mobeetie. After high school, he moved to Pampa to work for White’s Automotive Shop for a few years. On September 23, 1966, he married the love of his life, Jowannah McDowell. They have celebrated over 58 years of marriage. 

In 1968, Sam went to work for Cabot Machinery Division. He worked for over 40 years and retired from NOV in 2009. He met and made a lot of lifelong friends at work. Sam has always been a hard worker. As a young man, he started scrapping metal to have an extra income and he continued that throughout his life. 

Sam was a talented musician with any stringed instrument. He learned to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica all by ear. When he was younger, he played in a band. Sam enjoyed going dancing and also square dancing. After retirement he spent time at the Pampa Senior Citizen Center visiting and playing dominoes. His morning routine started by having coffee with friends. A few days a week he would be at the North Forty and the other days he would be at McDonalds. He enjoyed his time with his coffee drinkers. Sam also enjoyed slipping away to Oklahoma to the casinos to play the slots. He had a kind and giving heart and loved to help people. 

He was preceded in death by his mother; and stepfather, Gerald Adamson.

Survivors include his wife, Jowannah of the home; daughter, L. Beth Shackelford of Pampa; son, Sammy Shackelford and wife Leslie of Pampa; grandson, Johnathen Shackelford of Pampa; brother, Jim Borger of Lafayette, Louisianna; his dog, Dixie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Memorials can be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 815 Market St, Galveston, TX 7755, American Lung Association, or Panhandle Independent Living Center, 417 SW 10th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101.