The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2026 Jack O. “Butch” McMullen Silver Spike Award to Lufkin City Councilman Robert Shankle during the October First Friday Luncheon.

Presented by Southside Bank, the Silver Spike Award is named in memory of Butch McMullen of the Angelina & Neches River Railroad. The award recognizes a Leadership Lufkin graduate of at least 10 years who has continued to lead, serve and make a difference in our community.

For this year’s recipient, service has been a constant throughout his life.

A lifelong Lufkin resident, Shankle served 14 years in the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve, including service during Desert Storm. He has served on the Lufkin City Council since 2009, but his involvement in the community reaches far beyond City Hall.

Over the years, Shankle has given his time to organizations and efforts including Impact Lufkin, the Lufkin Pro Day Group, the Neighborhood Leadership Council of North Lufkin and the Clergy and Police Alliance.

He is also a graduate of Leadership Lufkin Class 30 and continues to serve on the Leadership Lufkin committee, investing his time in the next generation of local leaders.

During the award presentation, Tara Watson-Watkins described Shankle as someone who simply shows up. He shows up for his neighborhood, schools, churches, nonprofits and the people around him.

That spirit of service was reflected in Shankle’s remarks as he accepted the award. He shared that his parents taught him the importance of serving others and that his work has never been about recognition.

“It’s not about being seen or getting the recognition. It’s about helping people in the need of help.”

That commitment to others is exactly what the Silver Spike Award represents.

The Chamber is proud to recognize Robert Shankle as the 2026 Jack O. “Butch” McMullen Silver Spike Award recipient and grateful for the many ways he continues to serve Lufkin and Angelina County.

Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved honor.