Billy Shaw

During a sunshine filled Texas afternoon, Billy King Shaw, Sr., traded his earthly home for an authentic, permanent, Heavenly City. On February 12, 2016, he began his beautiful journey to the place God had prepared for him. Billy's beloved was by his side. Their children Mary, Martha, Billy Jr, Pennie and Carla surrounded him with prayer, singing, laughter and tears.

Their 61 year faithful marriage reads as a cherished love story. A young soldier returning home from Korea attends a local dance and from first glance, Billy knew the east Texas girl was the one God perfectly created for him. He married his bride six weeks from their first meeting! Billy and Mary (Collier) led a life of undying devotion to one another, unending love for their children, and most honorably a steady faith in God and serving the church.

Billy was born in 1928 to Frances Spruill of Powell, Texas. He spent many years in Corsicana, Texas. Upon moving to Houston, he attended Milby High School. Billy began his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Desiring to serve his country, he enlisted in the United States Army from 1950 until his honorable discharge in 1954. At the time, he began his employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company with great integrity that resulted in countless letters of commendation. He was able to be part of the crew who installed communication systems in Rice Stadium, The Astrodome and the Southwestern Bell building on Weslayan. The award for which he and his family are most proud of is "Not Missing a Day of Work for 26 Years." Billy retired after 45 years of service.

Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Shaw, daughters Mary Barnett and Martha Rudisill, son, Billy K. Shaw, Jr., daughters, Pennie Poe and Carla Jackson. He was a proud "Pa-Paw" of 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Frances and Carl Shaw; and his younger sister Martha Thompson.

Billy's Celebration of Life was held on Wed. Feb. 17th at Glenwood Baptist Church, the Graveside Service will be held Thurs. Feb. 18th, at 1:00 pm at Beach Creek Cemetery in Spurger, Texas.