Shanklin, Roger Allen

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Roger Allen Shanklin, 51, of Roanoke, surrounded by his family and friends,went on the road to Heaven on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 after a short illness at Lewis Gale Hospital Salem. He was born on April 5, 1965 in Christiansburg, Va.

Roger is preceded in death by his grandfather, Emery Cross and the love of his life his granny Opal Cross; and his stepfather, Cecil Nelson.

He is survived by his mother Deloris Nelson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Tammy, Ronald and Selena, and Randall and Joy Shanklin; nephews, Heath, Chase and Derek; niece, Angel Shanklin; uncle, Russell Cross; aunt/sister, Carolyn Cross Rector and Bob Tickle.

Roger was lucky to have a second family. Preceded in death by parents, Garland and Betty Ratcliffe; and brother Garry Ratcliffe and survived by brothers, Doug, Raymond and David Ratcliffe; sisters, Faye Kirtner and Teresa Bailey; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger never had biological children, but there are adults and children that will always think of him as Dad and Paw Paw. Roger said,” Just because they are not mine, doesn’t mean I don’t love them as my own.”

Roger was always the life of the party. He loved cooking for the masses, the beach, Facebook, birds, black Friday sales, and checking in every 10 miles. His fudge will go down in history. Roger would try his best to help anyone with anything. He was a good man.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kind words and texts during Roger’s illness. A very special thank you to Beverly Grubbs, who climbed a mountain for us, to the nurses at Lewis Gale Hospital for the great care Roger received and to Dr. Green and Dr. Chaudry.

A celebration of Roger’s life will take place later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to help with hospital costs and funeral costs would be appreciated. Please send to Carolyn Rector, POB 4, Belspring, VA 24058.

The family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.