Elijah Shackelford

Eli Shackelford, a beloved son, grandson, brother, and friend, was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 30th, 2022. He was the tender age of 14.

Eli was a thoughtful and caring person. His heart was so big, and he gave all he had to others. He was easily the bright sun to everyone he knew; from his gorgeous smile to his warm heart, he shed a light on those around him.

Eli enjoyed typical teenage leisure activities. If he was not playing video games; he was sleeping. He was dominating on the ps4 and xbox and very competitive. Although Eli loved his leisure time, being around family was very important to him. Whether it was fishing with KK, jumping on the trampoline with his sister Allisyn, going to ballgames and the beach with Mom, going to super hero events and movies with his Dad and Emily, dinners at Granddad's and having family game night or eating "wabbles" at Waffle House with MaMaw, or sarcastically bantering with Poppy (Eli had a great sense of humor, even though he didn't seem to care about his Dad's dad jokes); he relished the time he had with each person. Eli cherished every moment with his family and carried each memory with him. Looking at Eli, you could see a reflection of each person influence in his daily life.

Eli loved animals and at the top of his list was his best friend, Briar. Eli worked with Briar and trained him since he was a puppy. Uncle Brent and Eli (Brent’s mini me) would talk about their dogs and try to outdo each other; he was proud of Briar. They were devoted to each other, and Briar was Eli’s biggest fan.  Just like best friends are supposed to do, Briar never left his side and was with Eli when he passed away.

Eli saved the most room in his heart for the love of God. This amazing young man loved the Lord and professed his faith publicly. Although our hearts are broken, The Lord has called our Eli home. We are comforted knowing that we will see him again.

John 11:25-26:  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.  Do you believe this?”

Eli is survived by his father and stepmom, Stephen and Emily Shackelford of Conway; his mother Kristina Benton of Beebe; one sister, Allisyn Shackelford of Conway; grandparents, Stephen and Debbie Shackelford of Cabot, Gayle and Tommy Phillips of Conway, Dwayne and Kelli Benton of Beebe, aunt Shelly Whitehouse of Michigan; uncle Brent (Summer) Benton of Beebe; cousins Jessica Gunnell of Beebe, Kain, Evan and Reign Whitehouse of Conway.

Elijah was preceded in death by great grandfather Joe McKown; and two aunts, Bethany Gunnell and Susan Shackelford.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.  Funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022 at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, with burial in Crestlawn Memorial Park, Conway.  Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook