William Gerard Shine

Bill passed away at age 89 peacefully after a brief illness, which came shortly after celebrating Christmas surrounded by his family-enjoying wonderful food, telling stories, making memories, and sharing laughter. These were exactly the things that brought Bill the greatest joy in life. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Mary Patricia (Hays) and five children, Stephen (Melinda), Michael (Sue), Lynne (Brian) Williams, Kathleen (Art) Garcia and Patrick (Toni).

Bill was born on December 31, 1936 to Patrick and Mary Ellen (Conlon) Shine in Detroit. First generation Irish American, Bill and his older brothers Neal and Jim were well known for wreaking havoc and hilarity on Detroit's east side.

Bill and Pat were married in 1960 and their love story was a classic one: the young beautiful nurse and the tall handsome Detroit Police Officer with sparkling blue eyes. By his own admission, Bill needed to put on a little weight. Bill would often say… "If I stood sideways and stuck out my tongue, I looked like a zipper!" Pat's parents immediately adored Bill, and he loved them. Although he was never sold on the Friday dinner of salmon loaf, he politely endured throughout their courtship. Bill's family quickly embraced Pat as one of their own. The brothers and their wives, Phyllis and Barbara, formed a close-knit unit, sharing a bond of love of family and friendship that endured for decades.

Above all else, Bill was most proud of the legacy he and Pat built together. They raised five children in love and laughter and were blessed with eleven grandchildren, each of whom was a source of pride and joy. He loved every one of them fiercely. Bill reveled in the joy and headaches of fatherhood, and he loved watching his children build families of their own. His grandchildren include Liam Williams, Quinn Shine, Kearney Shine, Sean Garcia, Riley Shine, Fiona Shine, Michael Garcia, Mae Shine, Taryn Shine, Brigid Williams, and Daniel Garcia. Every accomplishment was celebrated with genuine enthusiasm and unmistakable pride. He carried the same deep love and joy for his nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.

The saying "he never met a stranger" could not be more true of Bill Shine. Whether you were standing next to him in line at the pharmacy or seated beside him on a cross-country flight, it wouldn't be long before he knew your life story-and you knew his, and usually his entire family's too.

Bill was best known for his sense of humor. He delighted in regaling others with stories, jokes, and pranks. There are far too many hilarious moments to list here-but if you knew Bill, you undoubtedly have a "Shine story" of your own.

Bill began his career with the Detroit Police Department, serving 20 years, which was the source of many of his most memorable stories. He started as a beat cop, served on Mayor Jerry Cavanagh's police detail and rose the rank of sergeant. He later joined his brother Neal at the Detroit Free Press as Director of Security, before moving to Renaissance Center as Operations Manager.

While Pat, the children, and the grandchildren grieve deeply, they are strengthened by one another and uplifted by the immeasurable blessing of having had Bill as a husband, partner, father, and grandfather.

Our wish for Bill's friends, acquaintances, and even the strangers whose lives he touched is that they put their families first, support one another, enjoy one another, and love one another.

Visitation for Bill will take place on Sunday, February 15th from 2-8pm; with a Scripture Service at 6:30pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. Bill will lie Instate at 10am until the start of his Funeral Mass at 11am on Monday, February 16th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 15020 Hampton St., Grosse Pointe Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's honor are appreciated to The Solanus Casey Center, https://www.solanuscasey.org/help-us-serve/donate/, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/, or St. Ambrose Catholic Church, https://stambrosechurch.net/donate.

Share memories of Bill with his family at Verheyden.org