Ray Abner Shanklin was born on May 8, 1924 in Pilot Point, Texas to Ray and Edith Shanklin (Allen). He passed away on July 9, 2016 at Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Shanklin, who served in the United States Navy and is buried at Florida National Cemetery. Additionally he is survived by his sons Gary and Douglas Shanklin.
Ray joined the Navy on August 13, 1941 and was discharged as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class (AMM1c) on May 14, 1946. At the time of his discharge he was qualified to wear the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Award, and the American Campaign Medal on his uniform.
Later in life after the Navy Ray became a Christian and devoted his life to serving the Lord and His church. He was very active in church planting and served very closely with Pastor Daniel Richwine at First Assembly of God Sumterville. Pastor Shanklin was known as an encourager to Pastors and was deeply loved by those he served with in ministry.
A celebration of Pastor Shanklin’s life will be held at First Assembly of God Sumterville followed by a graveside service at Florida National Cemetery with the Navy providing military honors. Dates and times for the services are still pending.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
