William Shuford

SHUFORD, William William Carroll Shuford, Jr. passed away Sunday, November 15, 2020 in a house fire at Cedar Creek Lake. Born February 28, 1951 to William C. Shuford, Sr. and Alice Hamrick Shuford in New Orleans, La. Bill and his family, including younger brother, Scott, lived in Nashville, Tn, for a short time before moving to Dallas. Bill attended Highland Park High School and The University of Texas at Austin where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Texas Cowboys. Shortly after graduation, he began a career in the insurance business; however, a fortuitous conversation with his dad led to a job opportunity in the North Sea with Sedco and launched his career in oil and gas industry. After several years working offshore, Bill returned to Texas. Following a stint at US Operating, Inc., he and his Dad formed WCS Oil & Gas Corp., an independent oil and gas exploration company along with his longtime business partner and friend, Bruce Stensrud. With offices in Dallas and Giddings, the partnership flourished, and Bill and Bruce were proud to consider all of their colleagues as both family and friends. Bill was a member of Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas Country Club, a board member of Inwood National Bank and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy Little Shuford, their four children and their families: Elizabeth Conroy (Brian), Emily Isom (Isaac), Sarah Oliver (Boyd), William Shuford, III (Katelyn); grandchildren Emma Kate, Claire and Meredith Conroy, Henry Keller, Skylar and Charlie Mae Isom, Bo and Emily Oliver and Briar Shuford. He is also survived by his brother, Scott Shuford, his wife Kathi, and his nieces and their families: Adriane Crosland (Andy), Lauren Laughry (Josh), Caroline Smith (Crawford) and Mary Pyzik (George).He is preceded in death by his parents. Bill was the consummate family patriarch. His pride and joy were his children and their children. His favorite times were spent with his close-knit family - traveling to Sea Island, overseas boat trips, weekends at the lake, watching football and golf with his sons in laws and buddies, cooking family meals, and Sunday nights at Mi Cocina. "Trip Daddy" always made every adventure unforgettable. In addition to his family, Bill's love of friends was larger than life. He loved fiercely, loved well and loved BIG! There was no better friend than Bill and everyone has a "Bill Shuford" story. He was grateful to have so many friends and felt fortunate to be loved by so many. He had the the ability to connect with all age groups. He truly was a legend in his own time and a hero to many. Everyone knew they could count on him to do whatever could possibly be needed, and he blessed many people with silent acts of kindness behind the scenes. Bill had a passion for music and reminisced about his college band, Sons of Minerva. He was passionate about country music and enjoyed his often-noted resemblance to George Strait. Bill enjoyed his Monday lunches, golf outings, and especially his Brook Hollow gin-playing buddies. He will further be remembered for his iconic ice chest filled with crushed ice, his Styrofoam cup filled with "brown water" - either Dr. Pepper or Dewars, his hoodies, his chapstick, his witty sayings, but most importantly his strong faith in God. "Big Daddy" will be greatly missed by so many. We thank God for our time together and for all the life lessons he taught us by his steadfast example of faith, strength, courage support and love. Bill's father in law, the Reverend William Joseph Ambrose Power will officiate a private family memorial service on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 11:00 a.m. Live streaming will be available. If so inclined, please make memorial tributes to the charity near and dear to his heart: Salesmanship Club of Dallas, https://donations.momentousinstitute.org