William Giles Shackelford, Sr. (Billy) passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the age of 94. He was born in Columbus, MS on May 29, 1923, to Mr. and Mrs. John Albert Shackelford.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, 2nd Lt. John Albert Shackelford, Jr. (Frances) and Lt. Col. Milton Marion (Pat) Shackelford. He is also preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Virginia Carmichael Shackelford.

Mr. Shackelford graduated from Millsaps College after serving in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant during World War II. He was a member of the college's V12 chapter for many years. Mr. Shackelford joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of MS in 1951 as a Group Sales Representative in the Columbus District. In 1958 he was promoted to Manager of Marketing Enrollment and moved his family to Jackson. He retired as Executive Vice President in 1988. He attended Northminster Baptist Church and was a long time member of the Men's Sunday School Class. He loved golf and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He served on various volunteer boards, as well as chairman of the Mississippi Heart Association.

Mr. Shackelford is survived by his son, Giles Shackelford (Martha) and daughter, Gayle Shackelford Miller (Eddie); six grandchildren, Will Shackelford (Christy), Scott Shackelford, Elizabeth Shackelford DuGan (Andy), Bud Miller (Mary T), Amy Miller Winford, Jeff Miller; and 5 great grandchildren, John Winford, Miller Winford, Win Miller, Ella Kate Miller and Stella Shackelford. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Northminster Baptist Church on Saturday, December 23, at 1:00. Visitation will be held in the Great Hall at noon.

Memorials may be made to Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 or Magnolia Community Services, 100 Central Avenue, Jefferson, LA 70121. Magnolia Community Services is a provider of residential services for developmentally disabled adults. Billy's beloved grandson Scott Shackelford is a resident there.