Miles Morris Shatzer, 88, of Dyersburg passed away December 5, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Miles was born October 24, 1931 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Irene Ashcraft Shatzer Newkirk and Charles Maurice Shatzer. Miles spent his early years as a youth in the Little Rock and Fort Smith, Arkansas areas. After entering the University of Mississippi on a ROTC scholarship, Miles graduated in 1953. He proudly served in the United States Navy for three years reaching the rank of Lieutenant.

While stationed at the United States Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia, he met Alice Dewhurst for the first time on December 5, 1953. This was a meeting he fondly described as love at first sight and by God's providential grace, Miles met with Alice again in Heaven for the first time on December 5, 2019.

After Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy, Miles began his professional career in Memphis, Tennessee with Ernst and Ernst as a Financial Auditor, CPA. After eight years auditing companies in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, including Dyersburg Fabrics, Miles relocated his family to Little Rock, Arkansas working for Coca-Cola Distribution Company. However, his character and strong work ethic had been noticed and were so greatly respected by one of his former clients, he was quickly recruited by Mr. B.R. Jernigan. Miles relocated to Dyersburg and became Treasurer of Dyersburg Fabrics, Inc. remaining there for 25 years until he retired.

First and foremost, Miles was a wonderful Christian man who exemplified Christ in every aspect of his life. He faithfully and humbly served his Savior Jesus over 50 years at the First Presbyterian Church in Dyersburg as Sunday school teacher, Elder, church Treasurer, choir member and with countless acts of love to members of the congregation. Miles gave generously of himself, actively volunteering with numerous organizations in the Dyersburg community for many years including the Dyersburg Electric Department, the Dyersburg New Life Union Mission and the Dyersburg Rotary Club. He was also instrumental in starting Life Choices of Dyersburg and Christ Classical Academy with the First Presbyterian Church.

Miles enjoyed the outdoors and the beauty of God's creation making many memories with his family and friends fishing, hunting and traveling. Miles and Alice enjoyed their retirement traveling to see their children and grandchildren. He loved Alice deeply and they especially enjoyed visiting Alice's childhood home area in New England visiting her favorite lighthouses, enjoying lobster, clam chowder and the beautiful fall colors. Miles and Alice also enjoyed traveling to the American West exploring state parks and many places around the country.

In addition to his parents, Miles was preceded in death by the love of his life for 53 years, Alice Dewhurst Shatzer, his stepmother Merrill Shatzer, stepfather Jerry Newkirk, half brothers Charles H. Shatzer and John L. Shatzer.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son Robert Charles Shatzer of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter Jane (Jerry) Davis of Newnan, Georgia; son John (Lois) Shatzer of Jonesboro, Arkansas; grandchildren Laura Beth (George) Rogers and William Barrett (Rebecca) Davis of Newnan, Georgia; Stephen Miles (Madison) Shatzer of Fort Worth, Texas; David Heath Shatzer of Little Rock, Arkansas and Christopher Alan Shatzer of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Also bringing delight to his life were great grandchildren Harris Thornton Rogers, Allison Miles Rogers and recently arrived Amy Katelyn Davis all of Newnan, Georgia.

For those wishing to pay their respects, visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday December 13th at First Presbyterian Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Funeral Services to worship Christ Jesus and to celebrate Miles Shatzer's life will be at 11:00 am, Saturday December 14th at the First Presbyterian Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee with the Reverend Wally Bumpas and the Reverend Bill Evans officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Miles' grandchildren Barrett Davis, Stephen Shatzer, Heath Shatzer and Chris Shatzer, George Rogers and Harris Rogers.

For lasting memorials, please consider the Christ Classical Academy, 1005 US-51 Bypass in Dyersburg, the Dyersburg New Life Union Mission, 213 West Cedar Street in Dyersburg and Life Choices of Dyersburg, P.O. Box 1768, Dyersburg, TN 38025 in Dyersburg.

Arrangements are under the care of Dyersburg Funeral Home.