WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -Mr. Allen Shaw served on the Haines City Chamber of Commerce for 43 years and helped to revitalize the city through building projects.

Mr. Shaw died of heart failure Thursday (Oct. 20, 2005). He was 86.

Born Dec. 5, 1918, in Sebring, Mr. Shaw lived in Polk County before moving to Winston-Salem, N.C., five years ago.

Mr. Shaw was a skilled athlete during his days at Haines City High School. Several local colleges offered him scholarships. When he graduated in 1936, he decided to help raise his six siblings instead of attending college. He began Cowart and Shaw Builders, and later a real estate business, which allowed him to send money to his mother.

"He made sure to help support the family," his brother, Julian M. Shaw of Haines City, said.

While a member of the Haines City Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Shaw used his contracting business to put old Haines City buildings to better use. He renovated The Palm Hotel during the 1960s, briefly turning the downtown building into a retirement home. In addition to the Haines City Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Shaw served on the Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce and several other development boards.

In 1985, Mr. Shaw received the Paul Harris Fellowship for his outstanding service as a Rotarian. He served in the Army during World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

He was a member of the Lake Region Yacht & Country Club and Haines City Citrus Growers Association.

Mr. Shaw was preceded in death by his wife, Olive Shaw. He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn Gore Shaw; brother, Julian M. Shaw, Haines City; sons, Allen B. Shaw, Winston-Salem, Randolph P. Shaw, Alpharetta, Ga.; daughter, Shelia Ann Young, Northridge, Calif.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, Haines City. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.