Hershel Cartwright Shackelford III, of Hayes, left this life all too young at the age of 43, June 1, 2012.

Carter, as he is known to family and friends, attended Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, graduated from Gloucester High School, Class of 1987. He was employed by the Virginia Marine Resource Commission as Fisheries Management Specialist III.

Carter was known for his fantastic sense of humor as well as his intellect. One of his many comrades made the comment "whatever you told him, remained locked in his secret vault."

No matter where he was, Carter could adapt himself to any situation including selling Girl Scout cookies with his daughters. Affectionately, his girls dubbed him "Kahtoo" very early on because the youngest was unable to pronounce "Carter." It stuck for life.

His paternal grandparents, Hershel C. and Minnie Shackelford; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Fasion; and father-in-law, Robert Ray Blevins Sr. preceded him in death. While close to his entire family, he was the apple of each of his grandfather’s eye.

Carter is survived by wife, Molly O. Shackelford (Smoochies!!); daughters, Katie and Kassie (Katiebug and Chuggabug); parents, Hershel C. and Virginia Shackelford; mother-in-law, Carolyn Joyce Manning Williams and husband Lester; aunt, Nancy S. Jones.

Funeral services conducted by Pastor Richard Whiteheart were held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in Union Baptist Church, Achilles. Interment followed in Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery. The family received friends, Tuesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In Carter’s memory, contributions may be made to Girl Scout Troop 1215, c/o Caroline Smith, 2129 Nicole Drive, Hayes, Va. 23072.

His positive energy, personality as well as insistent spirit will be sorely missed by his family and friends.