William "Bill" Shaver III

William “Bill” Neely Shaver, III of Fort Smith, Arkansas died in his home on December 18, 2013. He was born in Van Buren, Arkansas on August 4, 1928. His life was his family, church, and work. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Virginia Shaver, children Bill Shaver IV and wife Becky, Gayle Clutts and husband Keith, Mark Shaver and wife Janice of Fort Smith, and Terri Piazza and husband Tony of Iola, KS. Grandchildren are Kelly Schluterman and husband Chris, Emily Benoit and husband Mike, Jill Route and husband Josh, Rachel Reeves and husband Seth, Sarah Ray and husband Josh, Alex and Emma Piazza, Mark, John, and Adam Shaver and eight great-grandchildren.

He was a respected and beloved educator serving Fort Smith public schools for 34 years. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas Tech University and Masters of Education degree from the University of Arkansas. He directed bands in Dardanelle, Marianna, Smackover and Fort Smith, AR influencing hundreds of students as teacher, mentor and friend. His award-winning bands at Northside High School, Fort Smith, set the standard of music excellence and were highly regarded, performing for two presidents during his tenure. He held several positions in statewide music organizations, received numerous awards honoring his career, was the inaugural conductor of the Fort Smith Community Band and influenced many future musicians and music teachers. When asked the best part about being a band director, he once replied “the kids”.

He was a faithful member and volunteer of First Lutheran Church for 60 years. He served as choir member and director, president of the congregation, Sunday school teacher and president of the First Lutheran School Board. He loved the Lord and was devoted to reading a daily devotion with his wife for many years. He acknowledged his many blessings throughout his lifetime including his family, life and work. His favorite Bible verse was Psalm 16:6, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance”.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 22, from 2-4:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 23rd, at 10:00 am at First Lutheran Church with burial at Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church Window Fund 1115 North “D” Street Ft. Smith, AR 72902 or to Shaver Scholarship, Northside High School Band 2301 North “B” Street Ft. Smith, AR 72901.