William Fairfield Shaw

William "Will" Fairfield Shaw, age 74, of Louisa County, Virginia, passed away on April 2, 2025, at his home.
Will was born April 12, 1950, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the son of Eugene Shaw and Phyllis Linden Shaw. William graduated from Robert E. Lee High School, Springfield, Virginia, in 1968 and earned a BS in general Biology and Botany from George Washington University.
Will married Margaret Louise Yates on February 4, 1969. Will was a dedicated father to their children Leah, Benjamin, Elizabeth, and Mary Anna. He took pride in being a grandfather to Grady, Leliana, Wesley, and Maggie.
Will's career included public school teacher, work in various construction trades, and maintenance management, including University of Virginia Facilities Management.
Will was passionate about education, particularly homeschooling. For decades he lobbied the Virginia General Assembly for homeschooling interests. His advocacy benefited thousands of homeschooling families across the Commonwealth. Will was an enthusiastic teacher within his own home. His encouragement led his children to pursue higher education with confidence and attentiveness. Will was also a volunteer adult education tutor.
Will was an ardent naturalist with a special love for native plants. He grew thousands of Virginia native plants from seed and gave them away for free. He led field trips and nature walks on his property for both children and adults. His grandchildren sometimes called him "Plant Grandpa."
Will was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.
Will is survived by his wife, Margaret Shaw; his children Leah Chock (husband Jeff), Benjamin Shaw (wife Georganna), Elizabeth Hand (husband Jason), and Mary Anna Wu (husband Randy); his grandchildren Grady Shaw, Leliana Shaw, Wesley Hand, and Maggie Hand; and his siblings Gayle von Keyserling (husband Peter), Kirk Shaw, and Suzanne Simko.
A visitation for Friends & Family will be held 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at the Ivy Creek Education Building, 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 7,2025 at Beulah Baptist Church in Kent's Store, VA.
Condolences may be shared online with the family on the tribute wall.