William Higginbotham Shealy, Jr.

July 7, 1934 – December 22, 2020

William “Bill or Papa” Higginbotham Shealy, Jr., age 86 was a loved and respected man by many. Bill was born and raised in the Atlanta, Georgia area until he finally moved to his “paradise” 20 years ago. He was married to the love of his life, Nancy Freeman Shealy for over 63 years. They had 3 children. William “Bo” H. Shealy, III and wife, Melissa/Atlanta, GA, Stephen P. Shealy and wife, Gina/Dawsonville, GA, and Christina S. Harper and husband, Bruce/Buford, GA. Bill has an extended family of grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, and nephews all over the world.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a Military Policeman with a Top Secret Clearance. He had a 45 year career working in Environmental Services. He was very dedicated and loyal to every company he worked. His work ethic and honesty was unparalleled and set an example for all.

Everyone that knew Bill loved him as a very sweet man with a quick wit, contagious laugh, and funny sense of humor. Bill loved the quiet simple things of life. His passion was always to be on or near a body of water. He spent countless hours on his boat on Lake Lanier (GA) or the waterways of Florida. Even though most thought he loved to fish, his first love was being on the water.

Bill was very talented working with his hands. He did so in his career, taking care of a large yard, and especially in woodworking. His nickname was “Geppetto” to his family. He was a gifted craftsman, and many of his hand-made crosses are spread across the US.

Bill loved and was dedicated to his family and instilled great values into our lives. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2020 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., Thursday. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements.