Reverend Herbert Ruvernon Shackelford, 78 of Charlotte, departed this life on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at his residence.  He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 16, 1943.  He attended the public schools of Cincinnati until 1960 when he joined the United States Air Force.  While in the Air Force, he served in Vietnam and received the Air Force Accommodation Medal for outstanding service.  He was honorably discharged in 1970.

On November 21, 1970, Rev. Shackelford was united in holy wedlock to the former Mary Louise Felder and together they fashioned a family of four children, Renee George (Dana), Julian (Katina), Stacey and Kaneasha and four grandchildren.

In August of 1971, he entered the University of Clemson at Sumter, which later became known as the University of South Carolina at Sumter, from which he graduated with a B.A. Degree in Political Science.  After graduation, his work career began with employment for the Sun Finance Company, as Assistant Manager, until 1978, at which time he was called by God into Christian ministry.

In August of 1978, Rev. Shackelford entered the Johnson C. Smith Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.  While attending the Seminary, he was elected student representative to the ITC Board of Directors.  He also served as supply lay pastor of the Friendship Presbyterian Church, New Zion, South Carolina and Presbyterian representative to Consultation on Church Union.  In May 1981, he graduated from Seminary with the highest GPA in his Presbyterian Class and received the Alvin Dopson Award for being the Best All Around Student.  At the spring meeting of The Atlantic Presbytery, he was ordained and called to the Westminster and Harmony Presbyterian Churches.

While serving at these churches, Rev. Shackelford was elected to the District 17 School Board of Sumter County, South Carolina.  In 1983, he was called, as pastor, to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, during which time he served as Moderator and Youth Coordinator for the Atlantic Presbytery, Chairman of the Career Center Board and president of the Ministerial Alliance.

In September 1990, Rev. Shackelford accepted a call, as pastor, to the Mt. Olive Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina.  His coming to Mt. Olive provided spiritual leadership and renewed unity for the entire congregation through his in-depth preaching and teaching ministry of God's word.  His career at Mt. Olive was highlighted with the construction of the Family Life Center.  This building was built and dedicated to the Glory of God and has become a focal point for the community and surrounding areas.

Rev. Shackelford also served as a frequent revival preacher, an interim, and committee membership in various presbyteries.  he has been a trusted friend and colleague to those with whom he served.  He retired from active ministry in December of 2013.

He leaves to cherish his life, his wife, Mary Louise Felder Shackelford; one son, Julian (Katina) of Charlotte, NC; three daughters, Renee George (Dana) of Raleigh, NC, Kaneasha Shackelford of Charlotte, NC and Stacey Shackelford of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, Fred McKenzie and Dwayne Turner of Cincinnati, Ohio; two sisters, Barbara Ann Walker of Cincinnati, Ohio and Venecia Ansari Turner of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Ciera, Sydney, Myles, and Dominique; and a host of relatives and friends.