Billy B. Shackelford

What can I say about you poppa? I dont think there is enough room to write about all the wonderful things about you. 19 years ago we met, by chance or by fate, I’m not sure? But it was meant to be. You met my momma and you two became inseparable. You taught my mom what is was like to be loved completely, needed, and treasured. You took her children in as your own. Became my 2nd dad, and stepped when I lost my dad. You always believed in me and had faith in whatever I tried to do. You cheered me on during the good times and lifted me up in the bad. You fought for me, you cried for me, and most of all you loved me. Completely. You gabe me away proudly at my wedding. And told how beautiful I was. You cheered me on with school and trusted me to help you when you were sick. You had faith in me, that I didn’t have in myself. You were so proud and told everyone that your daughter is a nurse. Still got a little longer to go but I am going to make you proud. I promise! Thank you for honoring me And loving me. I will always cherish those last minutes together before surgery. I will never forget you telling me I saved your life the day you met me. But no, poppa, you saved mine.
And if that wasn’t amazing enough, you were the absolute best papa to my babies. You fought tooth and nail for them. Helped to give them all the father figure they so desperately needed. You went to every single event they had, even after working 10 and 12 hour shifts. You took Bria to a whole season of soccer practice, games, and tournaments because I was too sick to. You rocked Dalton to sleep in your lap every single night listening to music when he was a sick little man. Records Bria singing Barney and took her to get her picture made with him. Jon was your shadow from day 1. You protected him and became they dad he was never able to have. He seen every Marvel and Avenger movie out there because of you. He knew every line to every movie because that’s y’alls thing. You made sure he had all the costumes to go along with those movies too. Ashlyn inherited you love for music and guitar. You bought her very first guitar, and was teaching her to play. You sat outside on my patio just a couple months back, listening to her play and sing you a song. You had the biggest grin on your handsome face. You encouraged her to keep singing, and now that’s all she does. You took the best baby pictures of her at the river that day. You and mom came and got her and took her to lunch and the park. You rocked her to sleep singing sometimes. I will never forget how amazing you are to my kids. They will never forget and want to make you proud. I’m going to make sure of it.
I don’t know how we are going to get through the next days without you. The sun lost a little brightness when you left this world. But we will be strong, and stick together, and love each other and everyone else they way you did. With an open heart, full of compassion. You don’t have to worry about momma, I’ve got her now. She will be just as loved and protected as she was with you.
I love you poppa. With everything in me. I lost a piece of my heart when you left us. Until we meet again… I love you
Your daughter
Natalie