Shannon “Tuffy” Dexter French

Graveside Service for Mr. Shannon “Tuffy” Dexter French, 58, of Decatur, Alabama will be 11:30AM Monday at Decatur City Cemetery with Apostle John Birdsong officiating. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service.  Public viewing will be Sunday from 1:00PM until 4:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home. 

Mr. Shannon Dexter French was born in Decatur, AL on September 27, 1965, to the marital union of Mr. Charlie French, and Mrs. Doris Cohn French.  He departed this life on May 30, 2024 at this residence in Decatur, AL. 

 Being the only child in this union, he had his way with everything, from the clothes he wore, and all the toys he had. Tuffy as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was given this name by his aunt Julia Mae French-Mallory before he was six months old. She said he might be little, but he was tuff. From that statement alone the nickname “TUFFY” was born. So, then you ask where did “J5” come from?  When Michael Jackson of the Jackson Five came on the scene, Tuffy fell in love with the whole attitude of Michael. He had the vest with the fringes and had mastered his moves but the only thing Mike had on him was the “Big Afro”. He sang all the Jackson’s music which started his “career” of singing. At every family function you could bet on Tuffy singing. Upon his last days, during the gathering of family and friends, Tuffy was still singing. 

“TUFFY” was educated in the Decatur City Schools and attended Cherry Street Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Oak Park Middle and was a 1983 Graduated of Decatur High School.  He was an enthusiastic sports player and fan that preferred football over all other sports. After high school, he enrolled and attended Calhoun Community College, until he decided he would rather work.  In fact, he often said he wanted to “Make my own money”.

He confessed Christ and became a member of Newcomb Street Church of Christ. He later worshiped and joined Bell Primitive Baptist Church, under the leadership of Elder Benjamín Burt.

Prior to his health failing, he was a full-time employee for several companies. We will miss “TUFFY” and all his shenanigans.

Shannon was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson Desmond Cook, Jr. who passed in 2022, and his first cousin that was like a brother, Raphael Gray.

The memories of Shannon “TUFFY” Dexter French shall always be remembered by his: children: son, Jerraud Powers {Leah}, Asia Tucker, Shannon Powers and Jazmine Carr {Pat}. keeping his memories to heart also are his grandchildren: Madison Gray, Derrick Woodruff, Khamela White, Kash Corbitt, Camden Powers, Jagger Powers and Jrue Powers; two brothers, Brandon French {Taylor} and Terence Jones; three sisters, Rosalin French, Rhonda Shantel Williams, Tammy Pratt {Kenan}; his stepmother, Jeanette Williams French; one aunt, Elizabeth French Miller; three uncles, Jimmy Cohn {Sherry}, Charles Owens {Regina}and Johnny R. Thompson; a special cousin, Stephanie A. Gray and two other cousins that he considered his siblings, Tracy Osborne and Brigitte Orr; his elementary school boys that still hung with him until the end, Ronald “Luv” Swopes and Perry Buford; and a host of nieces, nephews, other cousins and friends 

TUFFY” will be missed by all that knew him, especially for his vibrant personality and, his infectious spirit.

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