Tom N. Shattuck
Tom N. Shattuck, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, passed away March 27, 2026, at his home at the age of 90 after a brief illness.
Tom grew up in Clinton, the son of Jack and Margaret Shattuck. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1953, where he was the Dragons’ first T-formation quarterback, and earned all-East Tennessee honors.
He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mining engineering. He worked as chief engineer at the Wind-rock coal mine for several years, then briefly at TVA before becoming an independent coal mine owner and operator. After retiring, he served as a consultant with Melton Engineering in Middlesboro and was chief engineer on the pilot test bore for the Cumberland Gap tunnels.
Tom was active in civic affairs, serving as the first chairman of the Bell County Tourism Commission and also as chairman of the Bell County Historical Society. He and his wife, Barbara, founded and developed the Bell County Museum in the former Andrew Carnegie Library building in Middlesboro. He also wrote a tour guide and historic survey of the Cumberland Gap, Middlesboro and Pineville area that went through five editions.
He obtained official scientific confirmation that Middlesboro was built in the crater of a prehistoric meteor strike.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Shattuck; daughter, Keely Shattuck; brother, John Shattuck; and sister, Sabra Appleby.
He is survived by his sons, David Shattuck of Lexington, Kentucky, and Peter Shattuck of Tampa, Florida; daughters-in-law, Jenny Shattuck and Angela Shattuck; brother, Jerry Shattuck of Clinton; sister, Penny Naravan of San Rafael, California; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at Shumate Funeral Home in Middlesboro.
