{Modern Day Robinhood)
In 2008 Galen was 64 years old then and still shooting like a pro. I had him come to Peeples Valley Baptist church to put on a Archery show for VBS 2008. I remember how many kids and parents were touched by his testimony and amazing gifted abilities to do with trick shooting with a bow and arrows.
Galen Shinkle – A Modern-Day Robin Hood
Today we pause to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man—Galen Floyd Shinkle—whose passion for archery and dedication to others left a lasting mark across generations.
Galen Floyd Shinkle, 81, of Ellijay, passed away on December 29, 2025. He was born on May 12, 1944, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and from an early age, he would go on to live a life defined by skill, discipline, and service to others through the sport he loved.
A True Master of the Bow
Galen wasn’t just an archer—he was extraordinary.
He earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for an astonishing feat:
shooting 12 bullseyes in a target held upside down in a man’s teeth.
That level of precision, focus, and trust is almost hard to imagine. It’s the kind of skill that gave him the reputation of a “modern-day Robin Hood.”
Beyond that incredible moment, Galen held numerous archery titles across:
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Florida
His consistency and excellence made him a respected name throughout the archery community in the Southeast.
A Legacy That Reaches Generations
But what truly sets Galen apart isn’t just what he accomplished—it’s what he gave.
He devoted countless hours to growing the sport of archery, especially among young people. Through his efforts, archery found its way into the curriculum of many mountains’ high schools across Georgia.
Because of Galen:
- Students discovered a new passion
- Young people learned discipline and focus
- Schools gained a program that builds confidence and character
His influence didn’t stop at trophies—it lives on in every student who picked up a bow for the first time because of his work.
More Than an Archer
Galen Shinkle’s life reminds us that greatness isn’t only measured in records or titles—but in the lives we touch.
He was:
- A teacher
- A mentor
- A pioneer for youth archery
- A man who gave his time freely so others could grow
In Honor of a Life Well Lived
As we remember Galen, we don’t just celebrate a champion archer—we celebrate a man who aimed his life toward something bigger: impact, legacy, and service.
His story will continue to inspire:
- Every arrow released with purpose
- Every young archer learning patience and focus
- Every life shaped by the sport he loved
“Like arrows in the hand…”
His life reflects the truth of Psalm 127:4—that what we shape and invest in today can be sent forward to make a difference tomorrow.
Rest well, Galen Shinkle.
Your aim was true—and your legacy will never miss the mark.
