John Shellabarger,

Funeral services for John Samuel Shellabarger, Sr., 68, will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Poplar Height Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Morgan officiating. Mr. Shellabarger died on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Arrington Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.A Jackson native, Johnny as he was known by all, was born on October 21, 1943, the son of the late James Hughes and Elizabeth Yearwood Shellabarger. He was an active member of Poplar Heights Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He retired from farming in January 2010. He served on the board of the Obion Forked Deer Basin Authority. He was a true gentleman that never met a stranger. His infectious smile and gentle manner were a true testament to how he loved his family, his church, and his community.He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Rushing Shellabarger of Jackson, TN; a son John Samuel (Sam) Shellabarger, Jr. and his wife Monica and their son, Grant Hughes Shellabarger of Nashville, TN; and a brother, James Hughes (Jimmy) Shellabarger, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Jackson, TN.He was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Rush Shellabarger.The family will be receiving friends in the Family Life Center of Poplar Heights Baptist following the service on Tuesday, January 3, 2012.The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to Poplar Heights Baptist Church, 1980 Hollywood Drive, Jackson, TN 38301.Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway 731/668-1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com