Willard Franklin Shrewsbury III

Willard Franklin Shrewsbury III, age 83, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Bower's Hospice House of natural causes. Born on February 16, 1941 in Beckley he was the son of the late Willard Franklin Shrewsbury Jr. and Hope Blevins Shrewsbury.

Frank loved the outdoors and liked nothing better than fishing from his boat on Bluestone Lake. In school he excelled in multiple sports, most notably football and baseball and and was Woodrow Wilson High School's Athlete of the Year in 1958. He was also recognized as Beckley Teen of the Week while a student at Woodrow.

Frank spent four years in the US Navy and most of that time was on the USS Torsk. He credited his time in the military for allowing him the opportunity to travel the world. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.

Frank was very giving, big hearted, and he had an incredibly outgoing personality which served him well in his long career as a family service counselor with Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Over the years of his employment there he received much recognition and accumulated a number of sales awards. He was the life of the party, very witty and funny.

During his time at the Bower's House, Frank rededicated his life to the Lord.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Valerie Streho Shrewsbury, son Willard Franklin Shrewsbury IV, brother Charles Thomas Shrewsbury, and a granddaughter Carol Ann Shrewsbury.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter Kristi Shrewsbury, granddaughters Kyra and Kristina Vance, and Lindsay Christian all of Beckley; great grandchildren Kinsley Acord, Cali Vance, and Noah and Ava Christian; a sister Dianna Brooks (Tim), a brother Denny Shrewsbury (Shelia), his lifelong friends Tammy and Roger Wriston and a host of friends and extended family including many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service with military honors will be conducted on Thursday December 12, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Blue Ridge Funeral Home chapel with Carlos Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family from 1 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bower's Hospice House 454 Cranberry Drive Beckley, WV 25801.

Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.