Nolan Ray Shackelford passed on July 1, 2023, at the age of 4 after a 3-month battle with lymphoma.  Nolan was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on April 23, 2019, to parents, Paul and Celia Shackelford.

Nolan was a strong, spirited child.  He adored his older brother, Neil (6), and loved being driven around the yard in their blue Jeep.  He had the best whole-heart laugh that would fill the room with pure joy.

Nolan’s favorite foods were strawberries and popcorn.  His favorite colors were blue and yellow.  He loved Buzz Lightyear and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  He loved music and signing along, even if he didn’t know the words, he would mumble out some semblance keeping perfect rhythm.  He enjoyed going on the boat, building with Legos, watching Cocomelon, and molding Play-Doh.  One of his favorite activities was to go to “Baseball Planet” to watch his brother play ball and eat popcorn and hot dogs from the concession stand.  He had a big personality and will forever be missed and held in our hearts.

Nolan courageously and strongly battled his disease.  His spirit never wavered even at the height of his illness.  He gave everything with all his heart.  He loved deeply and had a sweetness in his soul.   Though his life was brief, his memory lives on with his friends and family.

Nolan is survived by his parents, brother, maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Elise O’Cain of Madison, Mississippi and paternal grandparents, Andrew and Judy Shackelford of Holiday Island, Arkansas, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family welcomes all to his Celebration of Life on Friday, July 7^th at 2pm at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville.  Feel free to wear his favorite colors, blue and yellow.