Francis Shackelford (September 9, 1909 – November 30, 1973)[1] was the United States General Counsel of the Army from 1950 to 1952 and Assistant Secretary of the Army (General Management) from 1952 to 1953.

Biography

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Francis Shackelford was born in Georgia and educated at Princeton University and Harvard Law School.[2] During World War II, he served as an officer in the United States Navy.[2]

In 1950, President of the United States Harry Truman named Shackelford General Counsel of the Army, with Shackelford holding this office from July 24, 1950 until August 25, 1952.[3] On August 26, 1952, he became Assistant Secretary of the Army (General Management), holding this office until January 20, 1953.[3]

Leaving government service in 1953, Shackelford became a Managing Partner of the law firm then called Alston, Miller, Gaines, Spann, and Shackelford. The firm name was later streamlined to Alston, Miller, & Gaines. The firm is now the firm of Alston & Bird. Shackelford loved his career at Alston, Miller & Gaines to the extent that he and his partners eventually dubbed it "The Happy Firm". Shackelford also served as general counsel of Magic Chef, a position he would hold until his death twenty years later.[2] But, his true calling was his tax law work at Alston, Miller & Gaines. And, after all these decades, Alston & Bird is still called "The Happy Firm".

Shackelford was married to the former Renee Marie Fletcher, and was living in Atlanta, Georgia at the time of his death.[2] After Shackelford underwent open heart surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, doctors were unable to revive him, and he died on November 30, 1973.[4]

References

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  1. ^ U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
  2. ^ a b c d "Francis Shackelford", New York Times, Dec. 7, 1973.
  3. ^ a b James E. Hewes, Jr., From Root to McNamara: Army Organization and Administration (1975), pp. 381-382 Archived 2017-01-23 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ^ "Francis Shackelford, Truman Army Official", Washington Post, Dec. 2, 1973.
Government offices
Preceded by General Counsel of the Army
July 24, 1950 – August 25, 1952
Succeeded by
Preceded by Assistant Secretary of the Army (General Management)
August 26, 1952 – January 20, 1953
Succeeded by
Office Abolished