George Wilford “Abby” Shanks, 86, of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Salem, Arkansas.

He was born on December 27, 1936, in Williford, Arkansas to the late Wilford Samuel “Slim” and Ruth (Gray) Shanks. Abby served our country in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class. During his working years, Abby worked on the railroad, as an offshore crane operator and in real estate sales. Abby was the owner of Box Hound Marina in Horseshoe Bend in the 1980’s. He was a lifelong, avid outdoorsman and enjoyed nature and animals.

Abby is survived by his son, Jay Shanks of Imboden, Arkansas; daughters, Sandee Martin and husband Bill of Imboden, Arkansas and Kellie Shanks of Mountain Home, Arkansas; grandchildren, Leslee Ford and Kyler Shanks; great grandchildren, Layla Ulibarri and Hudson Ford and nieces, nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Samuel “Slim” Shanks and sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Shanks and Linda Bergeron.

There are no services at this time.

If you wish to send a memorial in Abby’s name, please send to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Memorial Donating, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Friends of Horseshoe Bend Animals – PO Box 31, Franklin, AR 72536

Arbor Day Foundation – https://shop.arborday.org/campaign/reforestation-donation/give