Billy Don Shirley

Billy Don Shirley of McGregor passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Arbor House. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 at First United Methodist Church of Waco with the Rev. Stephen Ramsdell officiating. Burial will follow at Harris Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, May 1 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Bill was born April 26, 1940 near Gatesville, Texas to Joe Frank Sr. and Ruth Shirley. He graduated from Gatesville High School and later Baylor University. Bill married Fadene Spencer of Gatesville on November 23, 1961 and together they reared three daughters. He was an active member of his church leading Bible studies, prayer groups, and Sunday School classes. Bill retired from Davis Brothers Publishing Co. in 2005 and enjoyed traveling, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family. He was an active member of many civic organizations including Mission Waco, Rotary Club, the Texas Ranger Museum, and Men for Missions among many others. In his spare moments he enjoyed fishing, golfing, gathering pecans, and enjoying the outdoors. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Fadene and her mother Leota Walther, his step mother-in-law Jeanne Spencer, his brother-in-law and sister James and Gladys Lowery, brother-in-law Reid Schaub, brother Harold Shirley, sister-in-law Elizabeth Shirley, and sister-in-law Connie Howell. He is survived by father-in-law, Alton Spencer; brother, Carroll Shirley and wife Jane; sister-in-law, Patsy Shirley; sister, Neta Schaub; brothers, Joe Frank Shirley Jr., Eugene Shirley and his wife Linda, and Wayne Shirley and his wife Jay; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Kathy Bigham; and brother-in-law, David Wilson. Bill is also survived by his three daughters, Karen Rapp and her husband Brian, Annette Shirley, Marsha Murphy and her husband Johnny; grandkids Justin, Jacob, Ian, Jason, Spencer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Matt Bigham, Brian Rapp, Johnny Murphy, Justin Russell, Jeff Shirley, and Jason Murphy. Bill’s charitable nature was well known by those he met. Memorials may be made to any of the above organizations or one that speaks to you or reminds you of Bill. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com