OBITUARIO
William D. Shields
19 septiembre , 1975 – 26 octubre , 2020
William D. "Billy" Shields passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020. Billy is survived by his mother, Donna Shields; two uncles, Stacy Thomas and Everett Shields; and many cousins. Billy is preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" Shields, his grandparents Damon and Ruth Shields; and Chester and Evelyn Thomas. A graduate of Fieldale-Collinsville High School, class of '94, Billy attended Coastal Carolina University and was finishing up an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Liberty University. An artist by nature, Billy started a career in retail as a display designer for Belk, where he worked for many years, before transitioning to a job with Macy's in Virginia Beach and Lynchburg. An Instructional Aide with Henry County Public Schools, Billy's passion was supporting student learning and well-being. As the SPICE facilitator for Spencer-Penn and Sanville, Billy loved his students and celebrated their accomplishments, big and small. And Billy valued his friends and fellow teachers in the school system. In his final semester at Liberty University, Billy's dream was to transition into a counseling position with an organization serving youth. If you knew Billy, you know that his mom, Donna, is his best friend, his travel buddy, his confidant. Billy planned trips around places he and his mom wanted to see and also around places that would make his mom happy. They took annual birthday celebration trips to Myrtle Beach, and many trips to Las Vegas and a more recent journey to Niagara Falls. Those nearest and dearest to Billy will remember him for his smile, his fondness for Dolly Parton’s music, love of his late feline friend, Truman, his joy in bringing his new feline companion, Butterscotch, to his home, and his many close friendships, especially Crystal Turner. A lifelong member of Pleasant Grove Christian Church, Billy attended services with his grandmother and mom through the years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Sanville Elementary School, 19 Sanville School Road, Bassett, Virginia 24055.
A floating visitation will be held at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Drive, Bassett, VA on Saturday, October 31, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Online condolences may be made to www.Mckeestonefuneralhomebassett.com.
Recuerdos
William D. Shields
¿TIENE UN RECUERDO O UNA CONDOLENCIA QUE AÑADIR?
AÑADIR UN RECUERDOTeresa Jamison
1 noviembre , 2020
I met Billy at Belks. What a special young man he was. I knew this right away that’s why every time I went there I asked where is Billy working. After Belks I saw him occasionally out and about and he always spoke to me and had to give a hug. God now has an angel. RIP Billy. You will be missed. Donna. I am so sorry for your loss. You raised a special young man. God be with you.
Katie Mays
31 octubre , 2020
I will miss you so much sweet Billy. I will miss my early morning Happy Birthday email from you tomorrow. You sent me one every year. I wish you were here sharing a slice of peanut butter cake with me. I love you.
Melissa Smith
29 octubre , 2020
There are so many stories to share about Billy. He could always put a smile on your face and help you to forget your problems, either through conversation or food. He had a big heart for his friends, family, coworkers and all the kids. They looked up to and respected him, and on many occasions the kids would state he smells real good too! He was a great blessing to my boys during their time at Sanville. Our Sanville family won’t be the same!
Rev. Bobby Rakes
29 octubre , 2020
Thank you for the service that you gave to the children at Sanville Elementary School and for all the contributions you made in activities. You will be well remembered for you kindness.
Sandra Vernon
29 octubre , 2020
Donna, what else can be said, everyone that has ever met Billy loved him. He will never be forgotten. Love you and prayers for you. I will never forget Bill nor Billy.
Jennifer Solomon
29 octubre , 2020
We are so sorry Billy is one of a kind a very special guy he is loved and he will be miss .love and prayers .Jennifer and Elvin
Kelly Laham
29 octubre , 2020
Growing up, some of my fondest memories are our Sundays at Granny Lou’s house where all the Hensley clan gathered for lunch. As I’ve gotten older, this is one tradition that I have greatly missed. Donna and Bill were the hippest couple and just gorgeous and handsome in my eyes in the 70s and I watched little Billy grow up into a teenager before I left home. He didn’t really remember me but I always remembered him and we reconnected several years ago when he and Donna were at Dollywood. We have stayed in touch since that time texting back-and-forth hoping to catch each other when we were both visiting the mountains. I will miss him and his visits with Donna. I cannot imagine how much your heart is broken Donna- losing Bill and Billy in a week’s time, alongside your lifelong grief of losing Dale. Please know that you are in our prayers- that God will provide you comfort and peace during this tragedy. When you are ready to travel again, we have plenty of room here at the beach and at our place in Tennessee. Would love to meet you there and remember Billy with you. Much love and comfort sent to you. ❤️
Natasha Rodgers
28 octubre , 2020
Billy always seemed to be smiling. I remember thinking to myself the last time I saw him, "He just seems to shine whenever I see him". I also know how very close he was to his Mama and how much he cherished her. Donna, my prayers are with you constantly. I can't BEGIN to imagine the depth of your sorrow. Just know that so many are lifting you up to the Father and covering you in an abundance of love.
Gerri Hensley
28 octubre , 2020
I’ve had the pleasure of being his cousin! I’ve never saw him when he wasn’t smiling! He was a good son, a best friend to his Mom, a good man, he love his Granny & he was loved by the kids at Sanville Elementary School. He always had a kind word, pat on the back, or just sharing a common movie or book with the kids. My grandchildren will miss him tremendously there as we all will miss him in our family! My prayers go out to Donna! We love you & are praying for you thru this difficult time. Love Always, Gerri Pauline
glenda Scott
28 octubre , 2020
I am so fortunate to be a friend of Donna's and therefore met Billy on many of our outings to eat, see plays, pray to get through a snow storm safely....We did thank you Lord.... He was so much fun to be around.. and I know Donna is hurting very deeply. I pray God will stay with her and keep her strong. My love goes out to her
Vickie Kendrick
28 octubre , 2020
The first day Billy came to Sanville I scared him. His mom’s coworker told me he was very nervous and be sure to welcome him. When I saw him I walked up to him and gave him a big hug. I told him we were going to be good friends and if he needed anything just let me know. I thought our first meeting went well. Billy informed me later he told his mom this crazy lady came up hugged and said we will be good friends. Well I was right.
Another fond memory I talked Billy into working at Boys and Girls Club with me. One day we were in the gym with kids watching Big Hero Six. At one point in the movie Baymax made himself all pink and warm and the teens were hugging him to stay warm. One of them said it was like hugging a warm fluffy marshmallow. I looked at Billy and whispered, “ I bet that’s what it feels like when someone hugs me.” He fell out of his chair laughing. From then on I was known as his “ Marshmallow Cuddles”. He would give an occasional bag of marshmallows to remind us of that day. I enjoyed working with him at Spice. We had fun on some traveling adventures too. He will always be my BFF. Cannot wait until we meet again!! Love you Billy ❤️❤️
Stephanie Penn
28 octubre , 2020
I meet Billy when I was volunteering At Sanville Elementary and we became good friends over the year!!! He was the kindest sweetest person, always there to help , volunteering after hour Because he truly cared about the children!!! Truly cared about his coworkers!!! Yes he loved his mama she was his best friend I have never meet his sweet mama but I feel like I know her Because of all the stories Billy Shared with me .. Donna you did a amazing job raising such a loving beautiful caring man !!! Thank you Thank you your forever in my prayers.. Rest easy in Paradise my friend till we meet again love Stephanie
Lynn Stone
28 octubre , 2020
What a wonderful son, grandson, friend, and educator. I know the pain and grief is so great. Billy was loved by so many... both young and old. He touched so many lives. Sending heartfelt prayers for his mom, family and friends. ❤️
Renee Mayhew Kapp
28 octubre , 2020
Billy was the kindest, most loving friend ever! He will be missed and loved by all who knew him!
Pamela Randall
28 octubre , 2020
This one is tough! I had the honor of meeting and working with Billy when he attended Longwood University. He always had a smile for his instructors and classmates. His heart and compassion dictated his journey. He will be missed.
Anita Hobbs
28 octubre , 2020
Billy was so good to my daughter, Emma, helping her along her struggles in school. He was exceptional at teaching her math facts and always had a smile on his face. He also worked with her at Boys and Girls Club, she loved him.
We shared a love of good food and would message about great places that we had found to eat. He adored the tomato pie recipe that I shared with him and would send me a picture every time he made one.
I will never forget our ride home from the field trip to Monticello and watching The Lost Dinosaur. I cried and he laughed at me crying......he was one of a kind and will be missed. There will be a big absence at Sanville and my heart hurts.
Donna.....you are loved and thank you for giving us Billy.❤
Suzanne Wyatt
28 octubre , 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers
Alysia Lawson
28 octubre , 2020
The one person I knew that the Boys and Girls Club members loved. Billy was always smiling, always helping, and truly loved what he did. Sanville will not be the same without him there. I will always remember how excited the kids got when he walked into a room.
Rachel Parks
28 octubre , 2020
Many many memories but with Winter Storm Billy coming through our area, it reminds me of all the messages I would receive from Billy every time we were about to get snow, asking what my prediction was for school. "Think we will have a snow day?" he would ask. I went back through my messages last night and read them all from Billy. I laughed, I cried. I will miss him so much. He always put a smile on my face because he always had one on his. I will miss his hugs, his sense of humor, and his wonderful wonderful spirit. Sanville is a better place because of Billy. He loved his students. His mother was his rock. Malaki was like a little brother or even a son to Billy. We are all blessed to have had Billy in our lives. We will always hold him close to our hearts!