Allen Shaffer

Allen Dean Shaffer (died August 22, 2012 in Jacksonville) was the last owner of Smith & Hardwick booksellers.

He began working at the store for the Praytor sisters when he was 25 and was promoted to manager before taking over ownership of the store. He moved it from 20th Street North to Clairmont Avenue in Forest Park in 1990.

Shaffer suffered a stroke in 2004 that forced his retirement and closure of the business. He moved to Jacksonville where he died in 2012. He was survived by his long-term partner Bill Cook and two children. Shaffer is buried at the City Cemetery in Fayette.

References

• "Allen Dean Shaffer" obituary (September 28, 2012) The Birmingham News