10/27/1939 – 02/13/2025
David Rudolph Shockley (Dave), age 85 passed away peacefully of February 13, 2025, after a short illness. He was the only child of Benjamin Rudolph Shockley and Susie Odessa Rendelman Shockley and was born October 27, 1939.
David grew up in West Texas and lived on a farm. He graduated from Anton High School in 1958, then attended West Texas State and earned a Bachelor’s of Biology degree. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in North Africa and assigned to the Army Corp of Engineers, where he rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He received pilot training at Camp Walters in Mineral Wells, Texas. That experience led him to the US Coast Guard.
David gained employment with Bell Helicopter as a test pilot conducting high altitude, heavy lifting, and extreme cold weather flying test in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, He also worked at Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation, headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas, as chief pilot for 20 years in the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe. And Japan. His last flying assignment was as the presidential pilot in Sierra Leone, Africa in 1994-95. He then ventured into sales with WESCAM and F.L.I.R. Systems to promote aerial surveillance systems with police, FBI, and Border Patrol.
In 1976, when David married Sandra Robertson, he took on the responsibility of an instant family. He was a very brave man He extended his love of adventure to his family through wilderness back packing trips, ocean side vacation, canoeing/camping trips, and international travel. He traveled extensively through the military and work to places like Liberia, Sierra Leone, France, England, Japen, Mexico, Canada, and others.
David relocated to Hamilton, Texas in 2006. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of Stephenville. He volunteered at United Care and was member of the Hamilton Economic Development Board, and Hamilton County Appraisal District.
David was an incredibly outgoing man, and very personable. He had an amazing ability to converse with people of varying beliefs and experiences. Many friends will remember the gatherings and celebrations, and often, the unexpected visits. He liked to pop-in to say hello.
David is survived by his children Kimberly, Brent, and Gordon, granddaughters Erika and Andie, grandson Hayden, and great granddaughter Olivia.
John 16:22
So, with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. I miss you, Dad.
