William George Shields passed away peacefully at the hospital in Provo, Utah, surrounded by his family following the last of three strokes on September 20, 2018. “Bill” had been a very active 87 year old prior to his first stroke on July 29, 2018. He walked regularly around the neighborhood, took care of his beautiful green yard, attended the temple, and enjoyed visiting with and serving family, friends and neighbors.
The annual Shields Family Reunion and a long visit from Bill’s only sibling Dorothy Beck and niece Karen took place in July before his illness. All felt very blessed to have had that time together. Bill was born on April 18, 1931 in Pasadena, California to LeRoy William Boyer-Shields and Kathryn Kinehan.
Bill spent his teenage and young adult years at local airports, crop dusting, and eventually becoming a pilot in the Air Force. He also flew for Pan American Airlines before becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Bill met his eternal sweetheart Bettycharles “Charlie” Haynes at the airport on her first day of work at the ticket counter.
They both joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as converts, and were married and sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on April 20, 1956. They were blessed with five lively children. They spent most of their married life in Whittier, California, until retiring to Pleasant Grove, Utah in 1997.
Bill leaves a legacy of love and service for his growing family. He was notorious for handing out photo copies of letters, talks, articles, and jokes to family members, friends, and even new acquaintances. He loved to share the things that were important to him, most importantly The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bill and Charlie served for 18 months as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Detroit, Michigan, living their testimonies of our Savior. He is survived by his wife Charlie, son Jeff, daughter Kathy Wylie (Wayne), daughter Nancy Clemence (Casey), son Scott (Dorene), and son Tim (Kim), along with 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his only sibling Dorothy Beck, and nieces Karen Pearson (Bryan) and Janice Lee (Rob).
He was preceded in death by his parents and last son Will, who was stillborn. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Battle Creek 7th ward chapel in Pleasant Grove, 1106 East 200 South from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., with a viewing from 12 noon -12:45 p.m. prior to the services. Family and friends may also attend a viewing Thursday evening, September 27, 2018 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove.
Internment with military honors will take place in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery following the funeral. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. olpinmortuary.com.
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