William Lewis Shine

Bill’s life was marked by the deepest love of family, unwavering service to country, and tireless dedication to his community.

Bill was a seventh generation Central Texan, who grew up in Killeen with his older Brother Bob. Sister Cyd would come many years later. He attended Killeen School and graduated from Killeen High School in 1963. He went to Texas Tech University, where he was a Saddle Tramp and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1967.

As a groomsman at a friend’s wedding in 1967 he met a bridesmaid named Jean Utley who would become his wife. After just three dates, he asked her to marry him in a letter, and they were married May 18, 1968.

Bill served in the Army from 1967 to 1971 as an infantry officer, notably as the aide-de-camp for LTG James Hollingsworth. He served in the Vietnam War in the Air Cavalry in 1970, and his honorable service was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal.

Bill and Jean built their lives in Central Texas where they raised two sons, Steven and Scott. Bill was a family man spending all of his spare time supporting whatever the boys were involved with like coaching little league, transport and pit crew for jet ski racing, boat driver for water skiers on family trips to the lake, or ski porter in the mountains of Colorado. He shared the same dedication and love with his grandchildren. He was present at every family event, no matter how small, ensuring that everyone felt welcome and was having a good time.

He built a successful business that grew to have Goodyear stores in Killeen, Copperas Cove and Belton from 1971 to 1999. After selling his tire business, he joined Jean’s growing real estate team, where he would work side by side with his wife, sons, nephew and sister until his passing.

Bill committed himself to his community. His service included the Central Texas College Board of Trustees, First National Bank Texas and Fort Hood National Bank Boards of Directors, Seton Hospital Board, Texas Military Advisory Board, Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, and Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. He was also a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army from 1991 to 2005 and continued serving the military whenever and wherever he could help.

Bill was exceedingly humble and never sought attention or accolade, but the community recognized his greatness. He was honored with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Roy J. Smith Award, Kern Cox Award, Fort Hood Good Neighbor Award, Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award, Killeen ISD Friends of Education and Distinguished Alumni Awards and the Boy Scouts Silver Eagle Award.

Bill was a kind, loving man who took an interest in everyone he encountered. He and Jean were fixtures in the community attending multiple military, school, sports, business, church or social events every week. To their large extended family of employees and clients, they acted as parents, cheerleaders, supporters and loyal friends. The outpouring of love from all who loved Bill has brought great comfort to the family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Jean, son Steven, wife Corie, and their children Ryan Shine and Rylee Bethune, son Scott and wife Hilary, sister Cyd West, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Lewis, mother Marge and brother Bob.

Visitation is scheduled Thursday, January 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen.

Funeral Services will be Friday, January 23, at 1 p.m. at Christian House of Prayer followed by interment at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for support of the Wreaths for Vets program of the Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, an organization that Jean founded and Bill proudly served for two decades. Details can be found at www.wreathsforvets.org, and donations may be mailed to Wreaths for Vets, PO Box 2790, Harker Heights, TX 76548.