Sanford Richard Shahan, Jr.

"musicman"

After being blessed with 98 wonderful years of life, Sha joined Heaven’s angel band July 31, 2024.

He was born on February 28,1926, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. His childhood was spent mostly outdoors, and helping at his parents general store in Bristol, W.Va. After graduating from Bristol High School, he attended Salem College, graduating in 1949, after serving In the Air Force as a B24 tail gunner in the Pacific, 1944-1946.

Sha was employed in the insurance industry, first as an independent agent in West Virginia, then retired after 28 years at Allstate, (in Florida) in several different capacities.

Sha and Phyllis moved to Florida in 1960, where the family enjoyed the "sunshine state" for many years, before permanently moving to Maggie Valley, NC in 2006, after being seasonal residents for many years.

Sha enjoyed his retirement years immensely, whether it was out on his boat, working on cars, or playing with various dixieland bands in Florida. While living in the mountains, he could frequently be found at Canton’s pickin in the park” or playing with his group. The Radio Hill gang, at numerous nursing homes, downtown Waynesville events, and farmers markets. He played the gutbucket, washboard, and drums. We often joked that you could stop by for a cup of coffee, and leave with your brakes relined, tires rotated, and oil changed!

Sha was an active member of Clyde Central UMC and spearheaded many updates to the church through the years.

In later years, he loved working jigsaw puzzles, completing several hundred.

Sha is predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Phyllis, who passed away in 2021.

Surviving Sha are his three daughters: Cheryl Cromer (Thom), Joy Gray, and Kim Britts (Keith); five grandchildren: Thomas Cromer (Brooke), Shannon Garcia (Wil), Erin Graham (David), Stephanie Rodman (Jim), and Chad Britts (Shannon).

Also survived by ten great grandchildren: Madilyn, Caitlin, Caleb Graham, Landen Rodman, Hailey, Jackson and Brody Britts, Ryleigh and Leo Garcia, and Henry Cromer.

No formal services will be held at this time.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Haywood Lodge for the compassionate care given to both Phyllis and Sha these last few years.

The care of Mr. Shahan has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville