Franklin Dewey Shaffer

Franklin Dewey Shaffer (PawPaw), 76, beloved father, husband, businessman, and legendary friend, passed away peacefully and entered eternal rest with the Lord on Friday, December 27, 2024, surrounded by family. It is impossible to capture the essence of a life so full of stories, cherished memories and extraordinary moments—a life that was truly larger than life itself. Yet, the best will be done to honor the remarkable journey of a man loved by many.

Born on February 22, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Ishmael Worth Shaffer and Marjorie Gaynell Williams, Franklin was his parents only child and lived a life marked by eccentric brilliance, sharp business judgement, and a personality that, while occasionally hard around the edges, left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

Franklin spent his formative years in Corpus Christi, where he attended Tuloso-Midway ISD before his family relocated to Summertown, Tennessee. There, he attended and graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1965 at the age of 17, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievements. During his time in high school, Franklin was a standout athlete, playing halfback on offense and rover on defense for the football team and he was part of the historic undefeated team his senior year that went 9-0 with one tie. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Franklin also showcased his musical talents, playing trumpet in the school band.

He pursued higher education at Middle Tennessee State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Political Science before returning to Texas to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he proudly completed his Doctor of Jurisprudence law degree, one of the tops in his class. Franklin began his law career as the Assistant District Attorney in Corpus Christi.

Franklin later transitioned from law to entrepreneurship, buying over his father’s (I.W.) business, Shaffer’s Muffler Shops, and continuing the legacy of hard work and ingenuity. After his first marriage to high school sweetheart, Brenda Gail Shaw, with whom he had three cherished children—Perry Worth Shaffer, Brian Lawrence Shaffer, and Amanda Renee (Shaffer) Elledge—Franklin found a second chance at love, marrying Brenda Hughes from Alabama and returned to Tennessee to begin a new chapter of their lives in Lawrenceburg.

An eccentric at heart, Franklin’s love for the unusual extended to his remarkable collection of exotic cats. His beloved jaguar “Tigre” became a local celebrity in Corpus Christi, even inspiring the famous slogan, “Where’s Tigre?”. This unique and daring passion for the exotic only added to Franklin’s mystique and charm, earning him a place in local lore from Texas to Tennessee. Owning a several-hundred-acre North American Exotic Deer Farm in Lawrenceburg, Franklin showed his soft heart for children in sharing the magic of the season with local schools. During the Christmas holidays, children would visit, enchanted by the belief that the farm’s deer were Santa’s very own reindeer. In addition, Franklin had an enduring affection for English Bulldogs. Over the years, he owned many of these loyal companions, each with their own personality. It wasn’t uncommon to spot Franklin driving through town with one of his cherished bulldogs riding shotgun, an endearing sight that left a lasting impression on everyone who saw him.

In Lawrenceburg, Franklin thrived as a successful businessman, known for his many innovative ventures and businesses with his ability to turn his dreams into reality. Among his proudest achievements was the founding of Shaffer Farm Custom Meats and Texas Bar-B-Q, which became renowned far beyond the Tennessee state lines. His passion for Texas-style barbecue created a destination where friends, family, celebrities and visitors from across the country could gather to savor his legendary recipes.

Franklin was a man of many talents and endless drive, but his greatest joy was his family, friends and his faith. His eccentric spirit, sharp wit, and love for an outlandish story and beer shared with a good friend left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Whether in the courtroom, at the meat market, on the Tennessee river or in the presence of his loved ones and friends, Franklin exemplified a larger-than-life persona, strength, and an unwavering zest for life. Above all, Franklin’s faith and love for Jesus were central to who he was, and an unshakable belief in the power of redemption through Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Franklin is preceded in death by both his parents. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda Shaffer (Grammy) and children, Perry Worth Shaffer (Wendy), Brian Lawrence Shaffer (Kendra), and Amanda Renee Elledge (Andy); along with his stepchildren, Natalie White (Mark), Stacey Doss (Bubba) and Shane Hughes; his grandchildren, Presley Gobble (Kody), Madison Shaffer, Allison Clark (Garrett), Jon Frank Gobbell, Chloe Nash (Austin), Colton Shaffer, Jozie Shaffer, Abbie Jo Shaffer, Elijah Shaffer, Savannah Doss, Walker Doss, and Mia White; and great-grandson, Weston Nash; as well as a host of friends, colleagues, and loyal customers who will forever cherish his memory.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday, January 04, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 04, 2025, with T. R. Williams officiating. A private family burial will take place afterward at the Shaffer Family Cemetery in Summertown, TN.