William Dixon Shirley, age 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday October 3, 2021 in Webster, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joel and sister Willie Mae as well as his daughter Kathleen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Kenda, his daughter Kristi Shirley, grandchildren Patrick Utecht, William Utecht (Tiffany), Kasey Ringer (Graham) and Katy Gay (Haley) as well as his great-grandchildren

Born on July 11, 1937, Bill served in the US Navy, became a helicopter pilot with over 200,000 hours of safe flight time and even flew John Wayne in one of his movies. Bill also flew a B-29 in the Commemorative Air Force. He loved his family, mosey days with his grandsons, RC Cola and moon pies with all his grandchildren. He loved the Houston Oilers and especially Bum Phillips. He had season tickets to Oiler games and loved taking his wife and daughters for a Sunday afternoon of football. Bill loved being a “Poppy” to his 4 grandchildren. They were and are his pride and joy. He lived a full life and did it his way

A longtime resident of League City, Bill was civically active earning numerous appreciation awards from the city.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 11:30am at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573.

In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516