Bill was born in Chicago, IL on April 24, 1926. He enjoyed an active childhood as the son of a Chicago police officer. At the age of 17, and with the permission of his parents, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served our country in the Pacific aboard the USS Cabot. After the war he traveled the country extensively as an inventory specialist for Wal-green’s Drugstores.
Bill met and married Gail Taylor in San Francisco, Ca. in 1954, and brought her and her son Clyde to Chicago. He adopted Clyde shortly thereafter. Bill and Gail brought five more children into their growing family: Sharon Marie, Kathleen Ann, Michael James, Robert Ned and William Floyd. He worked hard to support his family as an insurance agent; then again traveling the country doing inventories. He often worked away from home for weeks at a time; giving Gail the opportunity to be at home with their children. Bill moved his family to Lubbock, Texas in 1978. He eventually retired from the inventory business, but continued to work for Sam’s Club and Countdown Productions for a season. He was an advocate for and a strong supporter of law enforcement, CASA, NRA, small businesses and the arts. Bill was instrumental in bringing several BYU dance touring shows to Lubbock. He was a voracious reader and loved a good mystery. Gail passed away in March of 2005.
In 2008, Bill married Martha Collier in Knoxville TN. Martha’s compassionate service and companionship filled Bill’s life with love for the remainder of his days.
Bill loved the Lord and served faithfully as an Elder and High Priest and in many callings and assignments in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was preceded in death by his son “Billy” and 1st wife Gail, both of Lubbock, Texas.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Michael of Phoenix, AZ; wife Martha Collier of Knoxville, TN; children Clyde & Linda Shannon and Sharon & Jeff Hamilton of Lubbock, TX, Kathy & Ron Hardy of Plainfield, Il, Michael & Amy Shannon of Kennewick, WA, Ned & Sheri Shannon of Lubbock, TX, Dee Lavery of Atoka TN, and Laura Wilson of Clearwater, Fl; 21 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom he dearly loved.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, December 2, 2011 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3211 58th Street, Lubbock, President Sterling Shumway presiding. Military graveside service following at Resthaven. A visitation will be Friday, at the church, from 9:30-10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to CASA of Lubbock or Childrens Miracle Network UMC.
Condolences may be offered at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.
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