Cameron Shad Couch, 35

October 20, 1990 – May 23, 2026

“Get busy living, or get busy dying”- The Shawshank Redemption



Cameron Shad Couch, most lovingly known as Shad to all who knew and loved him deeply, fought the good fight, kept the faith, and won the victory as he entered into his Heavenly home on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family in the comfort of his own home.

Funeral services honoring and remembering such a remarkable young man’s life will be at 11 AM Friday, May 29, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Pastor Caleb Smith and Bro. James Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM on Thursday evening at the Ripley Funeral Home and will continue from 9 AM until time of service on Friday. Burial will follow in the Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

Born October 20, 1990, in Franklin County, Tennessee, Shad was the beloved son of James and Dejuana Banks Couch. Homeschooled throughout much of his childhood, he later earned his diploma through Abeka Academy in Florida.

A true love story from the very beginning, Shad met the love of his life, Alicia Elizabeth Tomlinson Couch, when the two were just teenagers. For nearly twenty-two wonderful years they shared a bond many only dream of, before uniting in marriage on May 14, 2022. Through every season of life, Alicia remained his greatest companion, closest friend, and unwavering source of strength.

A hardworking and devoted provider, Shad spent nearly ten years working with Ashley Furniture before later dedicating five years of service to Profile. No matter where life carried him, he approached everything with determination, loyalty, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

A Christian and faithful member of Blue Mountain Pentecostal Church, Shad possessed a faith that inspired everyone around him. His relationship with the Lord was something truly special. Even in the midst of his diagnosis and difficult days, he never lost sight of God’s goodness or the promises of eternity. While many would have questioned, Shad trusted. While others may have become discouraged, he remained hopeful. His testimony through suffering became one of courage, strength, and unwavering faith.

Fun-loving, caring, aggravating, strong-willed, and unforgettable — Shad was all of this and so much more. What you saw was exactly what you got with him. He loved riding motorcycles, shooting guns, sharing movie quotes, discovering new music, and spending time with the people he loved most. He was the fun uncle every child adored, always making memories with his nieces and nephews, fussing lovingly with his sisters, and making sure his friends knew the “greatest song ever made” that week. Holidays, especially Christmas, brought out the very best in him, because for Shad, life was always about family, laughter, and togetherness.

Even throughout the final months of his illness, Shad refused to stop living. When many would have surrendered, Shad kept pressing forward. In his final weeks, he was still buying tools, making plans, opening new chapters, and even looking for a four-wheeler for one of his nephews just days before his passing. That was simply who he was — always thinking of someone else, always planning for tomorrow, and always finding joy in life no matter the circumstance.

The world could certainly use a lot more people like Shad Couch. He leaves behind shoes far too big to fill, a testimony that will never fade, and memories that will forever be treasured by all blessed enough to know him. Though hearts here are broken, Heaven is surely sweeter today, for we know Shad has been completely healed, wrapped safely in the arms of Jesus, and is now rejoicing in that glorious eternal Kingdom he believed in so deeply.

In addition to his devoted wife, Alicia, and his loving parents, James and Dejuana, memories of Shad will continue to be cherished by his sisters, Ava Moss (Nathan) and Ashley Harris (Stephen); his brothers, James Couch (Ciarra) and Bradley Carroll (Lauren); his close extended siblings, Adam Zellner and Tyler Cox; along with his beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by his presence.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Sandra Bean, and his grandparents, Alberta and James Couch.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Shad’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Thursday
May 28, 2026

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Friday
May 29, 2026

11:00 AM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral