Frank T. Shafer

Frank T Shafer, MD lived 95 love filled years. He drew his last breath on Monday, December 4, 2023 with his wife of 49 years, Beth Shafer, and daughter Elizabeth Shafer McClelland at his side. He was born in Salisbury, NC on September 6, 1928. He graduated from Boyden High School in 1943 at 15 years old. He attended Wake Forest University, class of 1947. He received his medical degree at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston Salem in 1951. He served as a physician in the Army and then completed post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at Medical College of Virginia. He served Rowan County as physician for over 50 years. At the beginning of his career he made home visits to patients. He established a private practice on Barker Street across from Rowan Regional Hospital (now Novant), providing round the clock care for his patients in his office and in the hospital. He had boundless energy and served as physician for numerous institutions in the county including Catawba College, Livingstone College, Rowan Correctional Facility, and supported nursing homes and rehab facilities in the area. He also served as chief of staff for the hospital. He married his wife, Beth, after 10 years of dating on December 28, 1974. They shared a deep and steadfast love. He was a loving father to Elizabeth and grandfather to Connor and Andrew McClelland. Outside of his practice, he enjoyed reading, music, golf, travel, and walking. He visited all 50 states and took several cruises around Europe after retiring. He had many friends and enjoyed lunching with his friends at KW cafeteria or Hendrix Barbecue where he would have a vegetable plate. He was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church in Salisbury. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Irving E. and Lucille Dearman Shafer and his brother Irving Shafer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Beth Belk Shafer; daughter, Elizabeth McClelland; son-in-law, Steven McClelland, grandsons, Connor and Andrew McClelland; nephew, Irving Shafer, III (Terry); and nieces Melissa Manos (Michael) and Georgia Vaughn (Rick). A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday (December 8) at First United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Conforti. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or Rowan Helping Ministries, PO Box 4026, Salisbury, NC 28145.. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Shafer family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Frank T. Shafer

September 6, 1928 - December 4, 2023