William "Bill" D. Shirley

Bill was born in Pontiac, MI on November 18, 1942 to William and Elsia Lamoine(Criger) Shirley. He graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1960 and went on to attend Oakland University where he earned a BA in Education and a Masters Degree in Language Arts and Reading. On November 16, 1963 he married Sharon Spurlock of Waterford. They were married for 55 happy years.

Bill was a teacher in the Pontiac Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1997. He continued to teach and mentor beginning teachers at Oakland University for an additional seven years. In 2004, his wife Sharon retired and they were able to move up north permanently. Their home is near Torch Lake in Rapid City.

Bill was an active member at both the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids and the First Presbyterian Church in Ocala, Florida, where they spent their winters. He sang in the choir at both churches. He loved the outdoors and spent his time biking, camping, walking, and boating. He also enjoyed fishing with his son on Torch Lake, reading, visiting bakeries, and eating chocolate. He loved classic cars and would drive his ‘68 Camero to car shows and events.

He is lovingly remembered as a very patient, kind, and soft spoken man with a wonderful sense of humor.

Bill is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter; Amy (Brian) Carpenter, and son Robert Shirley. Also surviving are two nieces; Rebekah (Terence) Kreitner and Christina (William) Nalen, brother-in-law Richard Mordaunt, and cousin Steven Criger. He was also the “adopted Grandpa” of Katelyn and Nicholas Carpenter, and his grandcat Midnight. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Mourdaunt.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce St. in Elk Rapids, Pastor Jim Porter officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at the church at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are appreciated in his memory to the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids or Ocala.