William Earl Shockley

William Earl Shockley, aged 101, passed away peacefully on the quiet night of March 4, 2024, at his home in San Diego, CA. William Earl was born June 13, 1922 in Richfield, Idaho, to Will and Nina Shockley, the eighth of 10 children, to whom all grew up together in the quiet countryside of Idaho. Life was a struggle in those days for the family. Four of his siblings perished very young.

William Earl attended Coeur d'Alene High School and went on to North Idaho College to study Dentistry. In his youth, he played in a band with his brothers. William Earl played the banjo, Woody played the fiddle, and Norm played the bass guitar. He enjoyed his banjo throughout his life. While in school and working at the local sawmill, he was called to duty as his brothers' were, one of which did not make it home. William Earl was later recalled to the U.S. Navy. He served 30 years, including two terms in Antarctica, where he served with Admiral Richard E. Byrd in one of his famous Antarctica geophysical expeditions during the 1950's which resulted in advanced scientific discoveries. William Earl rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and an expert Aviator training helicopter pilots.

After his retirement from the military, William Earl sold life insurance and real estate. But his favorite business was making Native American style jewelry with silver and turquoise. Some of William Earl's hobbies included playing golf, fishing, watching his favorite baseball team the Padres, and watching Westerns, especially featuring John Wayne. He participated in weekly events with his neighbors and friends, and enjoyed spending time with his little dogs.

William Earl met his first wife, Francis Shockley, in Spokane, Washington. They traveled and lived in many places, but chose San Diego to come back to their permanent home. William Earl and Francis had a daughter Terry Johansen, and step-daughter Carol Ann Morgan, whom both passed away before him. Francis passed away and was buried at sea.

William Earl is survived by his adoring wife Maria Ryan-Shockley, son-in-law Jerry Johansen, grandchildren Lynn Noelle Morgan, Jason and Jamie Papas, great grandchildren Justin, Aaron, and Karina Papas, stepdaughters Linda (Andre) DeMara and Bonita Ryan, and their children Anthony, Chloe, Sebastian, Adam, Sophia, Davin, Victoria, and Mia.

He will be cremated, and be both buried at sea and laid to rest at Miramar National Cemetery (San Diego) on April 19th, 2024.