Enoch Shivers, Sr.

Born in Goodlettsville, TN on July 21, 1928 Departed on May 4, 2016 and resided in Hendersonville, TN Visitation: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: Stateroom AMonday May 9, 2016 4:00pm to 8:00pmTuesday May 10, 2016 10:00am to 11:00amLife Celebration: Hendersonville Funeral Home Room: ChapelTuesday May 10, 2016 11:00am to 12:00pm

Age 87, of Hendersonville, TN passed away peacefully after an extended illness.

Allen will be remembered as a family man who always put the needs of his wife and children first. His love was felt intensely by those who joined the family through marriage. In fact, after marrying his own bride, he was overjoyed to have gained a new family. It was as if this same joy touched him each time another family would join his own. His experience of childhood and growing up with his siblings was a topic he was always glad to talk about. He took great pride in his ancestry and all of the many accomplishments anyone in his family achieved.

Being a man well connected to his roots, Allen was proud of his time at Goodlettsville High School, where he lettered in three sports. His impact on his community and school led him to understand that his legacy was to "give his friendly smile to anyone who feels especially sad." Though he was fond of his high school, Allen had a deep love of the neighborhood in which he grew. Goodlettsville was a place filled with many wonderful memories, friendships, and achievements to last anyone a lifetime.

Allen was a wonderful man who embodied honesty, loyalty, love, pride, and faith. A life-long member of the Methodist Church, his faith in the Lord was what gave his life the focus many lack. As a husband, he was dedicated to his beloved Valerie Jean to the last. He cared for her the way no one else could; in fact, he took it upon himself to decline offers of help to serve his wife during her lengthy illness. As a father, he was present and active in his children's lives. Whether on vacations, swimming in the pool, or around the dinner table fun times were had, stories were told, and uncontrollable laughter erupted from time to time.

In the midst of caring for his wife during her illness, Allen and Valerie Jean welcomed their first grandchild into the world. With the birth of their first grandchild a burst of new life was breathed upon them, and in a way, they were refreshed in spirit. Allen loved each and every one of his grandchildren and was proud to say he "had eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter." He took a keen interest in spending time with them and he'd let them tag along as he worked around the house or out in the yard. Granddaddy will be missed and he will live on in our memories.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lou Ella Shivers; sisters, Addie and Helen; brothers, Mack and Ronnie; daughter-in-law, Diane; and his faithful and loving wife of forty-five years, Valerie Jean.

Allen is survived by his son, Allen Shivers; daughters, Melissa (Don) Gaw, Debbie Sentell; grandchildren, Chris, Daniel, Kacie, Kellie, Kyle, Kendall, Ashley, and Chad; great-granddaughter, Trinity; several nieces and nephews; and brother, Alex (Pat). He also leaves behind all those with whom he worked at the Methodist Publishing House.

The family will receive visitors tomorrow from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. culminating in a Celebration of Allen's Life Tuesday at 11 a.m. All will be held at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075. hendersonvillefh.com 615-824-3855