George William Shanklin

Mr. George William "Buddy" Shanklin, age 75 of Deer Lodge, passed away Saturday February 27, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with heart and Alzheimer's disease. Buddy was born May 30, 1940 in West Palm Beach, Florida to the late Frank and Dorothy Shanklin. He was a life-long NHRA racing member, winning a Division 2 Championship. He also set many ET and MPH records during his racing career. An article was written about him titled "Southern Man" which was published by Car Craft Magazine in 1971. Buddy's second love was fishing with his grandkids and great grandkids. Buddy moved from Florida to Riverdale, Georgia in 1971 where he opened the API Auto Service. In 1994 he and Susie moved to Deer Lodge where he opened Buddy's Auto Service Garage. Along with his parents, Buddy was also preceded in death by his brother: Eddie Shanklin. His father-in-law: Loy Tompkins. And one nephew: Tony Crouch. He is survived by his wife of 42 years: Susie Tompkins Shanklin of Deer Lodge. Two sons and a daughter-in-law: Glenn and Sandi Shanklin of Deer Lodge and David Shanklin of Sebring, FL. One step-son: Jeff Melton of Deer Lodge. One daughter: Debra Shanklin of West Palm Beach, FL. Two grandsons and their spouses: Todd and Hope Melton, Chad and Amanda Melton all of Ooltewah. His granddaughter: Savannah Shanklin of Deer Lodge. Four great grandsons: Hunter, Brice, Drake and Taitum Melton. One sister and brother-in-law: Libby and Lee Carmean of St. Paul, NC. Two sisters-in-law and their spouses: Janis and Jerry Phillips of Deer Lodge and Judy and Curt Planck of Lenior City. One brother-in-law: Steve Tompkins of Deer Lodge. Special life-long friend: Ronny Boucher of West Palm Beach, FL. Special friends: Joe and Lyn Pierce, Steve and Gale Dalton, Pam Aery, Barbara Samms, Rick and Brenda Cross and Little Levi. Several nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Also, his dogs: Sunny and Bo-Bo who he loved very much. The family will receive friends Monday February 29, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis Funeral Home, Wartburg. Funeral services will follow at 8:00 PM with Rev. Rick Cross, Rev. Randy Tompkins and Rev. Charles Webb officiating. Graveside services will be Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 PM in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Deer Lodge.