Mike Shankle

George Michael “Mike” Shankle, age 63 of Springville, died Monday, October 12, 2020, at the Henry County Medical Center.

Mike began working as an emergency medical technician in 1986. He received his paramedic certification in 1990 from Jackson State Community College and became Henry County EMS director later that year and served that post from 1990 until 2013.  He received the President's Leadership Award twice from the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association in 2005 and 2008.  He also received TASA’s Ambulance Director of the Year Award in 2005.  He was also awarded HCMC’s Kathy Townsend Leadership Award for his work modeling the county’s first responder program and increasing the number of automatic defibrillators in the area.  In March 2014, he was presented with the Loyal Patriot Award by the Henry County Commission.  He was also honored with a proclamation by the Henry County 911 Board, which he served on for 22 years prior to his retirement, including several years as vice chairman.  He was currently serving on the board of the Paris Landing Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Church of Christ.

Mike married Beverly Diane Garrett Shankle April 9, 1981, who survives, of Paris.

Born October 23, 1956, in Paris, he was the son of the late George Wyatt Shankle and Joan Scott Shankle, who survives, of Paris.

In addition to his wife and mother, Mike is survived by a daughter, Kim (Joseph) Gwaltney of Paris; two sons, Ken (Kate) Rhodes and George Scott Shankle, both of Paris; a sister, Beverly (John) Simmons of Columbia, TN; a brother, Christopher Lee (Traci) Shankle of Paris; six grandchildren, Hannah Gwaltney, Garrett Gwaltney, John Michael Rhodes, Landon William Rhodes, Drew Meketi, and Trinity Shankle; and his miniature schnauzer Macy, whom he loved dearly.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2020, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service to begin at 2:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with David Alan Jackson and Craig Peevyhouse officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Garrett, Dennis Wallace, Steve Frost, Matthew McClure, George Ballard, Liz Henley, Brandon Ward, and Michael Williams.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Henry County EMS, Henry County 911 Board and staff, Henry County Volunteer Fire Departments, and Paris Fire Department.

Burial will follow in Walker Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Paris Henry County Animal Shelter.