William Shira

On December 27, 2017, Bill Shira quietly departed his earthly body that had served him well for 95 years and entered his inheritance promised by his Lord and Savior, confident that his mansion was prepared, as promised. His funeral service will be Wednesday, January 3 at 2:00 p.m in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Hamlin. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service starting at 12:00 p.m.
Born to Ezra and Ruby (George) Shira in Peacock, Texas on July 1, 1922, Bill grew up on small farms around the Hamlin area with his sisters Ruby Alice, Gerry, and little brother Charles Norris. They have all preceded him in death. Bill attended several community schools and ultimately graduated from high school in 1939. When World War II broke out, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corp and served in the Pacific theater with the Marines in the Guadalcanal Campaign.
With the war's end, Bill returned to Hamlin determined to marry the love of his life, Bettye Lou York. Their special day was March 9, 1946. After that they were constant companions and perpetual partners, bringing out the best in each other until her death May 12, 2013. Bill went to work for Celotex Corporation and spent his working life as a dedicated employee, while running the family farm just north of Hamlin. Upon his retirement, he and Bettye spent many happy summer days at Williams Creek Reservoir in Colorado fishing and socializing with their many friends from across Texas and the US. The consummate story teller, Bill was at ease with everyone in the camp grounds. As a really great handyman, he was always ready to help a fellow camper in need.
As a godly man, Bill served as a deacon at First Baptist Church Hamlin and participated in the Sanctuary Choir, Glory Singers, Sunday School, and the YEEPIES. An ardent supporter of Hamlin schools, and particularly his family, he spent many hours driving numerous miles across West Texas for football, basketball, tennis, track, and baseball for both boys and girls.
Bill and Bettye leave a family legacy of Christian service for their family who include their two sons and daughters-in-law Charlie and Terry Shira of Hamlin plus Ken and Karon Shira of Abilene, as well as daughter and son-in-law Luann and Jim Slover of Paducah. Bill, aka Granddad, will be missed by his six grandchildren and spouses: Chas and Katie Shira, Allison and Cody Coil, Kacy and Kevin Hunter, Renae and Chris Terry, Amy and Brett Phipps, and William Slover. His 10 great-grandchildren Matthew, Pearson, Macy, Lincoln, Creyton, Denson, Molly, Miles, Jett and Shira will all miss him as well.

Visitation

First Baptist Church
Hamlin, TX  79520
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
12:00 pm

Service

First Baptist Church
217 SW Ave B
Hamlin, TX  79520
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
2:00 pm

Cemetery

Hamlin Memorial Cemetery
2 mi E. of traffic light on TX-92
Hamlin, TX  79520