Joel Warren Shankle

Joel Warren Shankle, 82, of Culpeper, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Joel was born March 2, 1933 in Fines Creek, North Carolina. After graduating from Randolph Macon Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, Joel attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. It was there he met and married his wife of over fifty years, Carolyn Shankle. While attending Duke, Joel represented the United States in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia winning a bronze medal in the 110 meter high hurdles. Upon graduation from Duke University, Joel began his flying career as a naval aviator in the United States Navy serving from 1959-1965. Joel continued his love of flying as a Captain for American Airlines for 28 years, retiring in 1993. Joel is survived by his sons and daughters-in law, Mike and Lisa Shankle of Culpeper, Virginia and Steve and Elise Shankle of Peachtree City, Georgia, son-in-law David Leonard of Peachtree City, Georgia, and his eight grandchildren. His wife Carolyn and daughter Deborah Leonard precede Joel in death. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 3:00 pm at Culpeper United Methodist Church, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joel’s name to Culpeper United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1233 Oaklawn Drive, Culpeper, Virginia 22701. Condolences may be given at clore-english.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clore-English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Highway, Culpeper, VA 22701.