AARON CLINT SHACKELFORD III
Aaron “Trey” Clint Shackelford III, 55, of Bandera, Texas, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep the morning of Dec. 22, 2019.
He was born on Nov. 7, 1964 to Aaron Shackelford Jr. and Paula Adams in Kerrville, Texas.
At a young age, Trey and his family moved to Bandera, where he lived his entire life, spending many summers in Leakey, Texas during his childhood.
He graduated from Bandera High School in 1983 and attended McMurry College on a football scholarship, later transferring to UT Arlington and playing football until an unrecoverable football injury.
Trey returned to Bandera, where he met the love of his life, Anne Elizabeth Chapman Shackelford, who he married on July 29, 1989. They were blessed with three beautiful children whom he deeply loved.
Along with his wife and soulmate, Trey is survived by his daughter Taylor Kell Shackelford Ely (Grasshopper), son-in-law Benjamin Davis Ely, and soon-to-be granddaughter Addison Ely (Little Hopper); son Aaron Clint Shackelford IV (Good Boy) and daughter-in-law Macie Jane Malone Shackelford; son Benjamin Peter Shackelford (Biggs).
In addition to his wife and children, Trey is survived by his mother Paula and stepfather Ed Higley; his father Aaron and stepmother Tarrie Shackelford; brother David Shackelford, sister-in-law Lana Shackelford, and nieces Kayle Shackelford Christian (husband Clint Christian), Amanda Shackelford Ellerbee (husband Jared Ellerbee) and Leeanne Shackelford.
Trey spent his entire career in construction, working as a master carpenter and creating anything from wood according to a customer’s specifications, both as a professional and as a friend.
He and his wife built the home where they now live. He recently started designing and building custom homes.
When he wasn’t working, he loved going hunting, fishing and hanging out with his family at the Bar 7 Ranch.
Trey put all his effort, expertise, and focus into everything he did, and if people were fortunate enough to assist or work alongside him, he served as a mentor and guide to help them improve as well.
Whatever Trey was doing, he loved doing it with family. He was a family man in every sense of the words.
The love for his wife, children and “Shack Nation” family members was unmeasurable and boundless. He loved fiercely, deeply and passionately.
To the Shackelford family, home was anywhere their father was. He mentored his children, extended family, coworkers and friends to be the best they could possibly be and empowered especially his children to help them be successful in life.
He was passionate about watching his children and nieces play sports, going to their graduations, operating his camera and being the loudest in the stands. He enjoyed telling stories and relating his pride of them to everyone he met.
Not only this, he gave his love and showed his pride to each family member, seeing past flaws, overlooking mistakes, demonstrating unconditional love and teaching others to do the same.
Trey was unafraid to voice his emotions and feelings and to express his love to others.
“As a husband, Trey was my biggest supporter. He believed in me and always told me how proud he was of me. He loved his family with fierceness and passion. He loved with his whole heart.”
“From the first time I met Uncle Trey, I remember how welcome he made me feel—like I was already a part of the family. But what I loved and will treasure the most about him was how he welcomed and embraced my entire family like they were his own.”
Trey was not only a family man, but also a truly godly man, constantly reminding family and others of his faith, the blessings of family and to never take God’s blessings for granted.
He was his family’s rock.
Funeral services were held St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Bandera, Texas.
The reception followed at the Bar 7 Ranch in Medina, Texas, where Trey loved to spend time with his family.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake… Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 1-3, 6.