William Thomas "Will" Shurtz

1958 - 2021

William "Will" Thomas Shurtz, 63, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2021. His family, staff, and friends are deeply saddened by his sudden death after recently surviving COVID pneumonia.

Will was born on July 24, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois to Morris and Betty Shurtz. He became a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marines after high school, went on to Athens College. Later he enrolled in the Executive MBA Program at the University of Memphis.

In 1997, while they both were in the Executive MBA Program, Will met the love of his life, Kathy Swanson. They moved to San Antonio to make their home there shortly thereafter.

After working at Promis Hotels (now Hilton) in Memphis, Will was brought to San Antonio by a career at USAA. He was involved in various information technology and procurement roles. Will answered the call to entrepreneurship, opening an Allstate agency and then First Choice Insurance of Texas in 2011.

Full of wisdom and an inspiration to all he encountered – with a head for business, inquisitive mind for problem solving, and a heart of gold -- Will served as a FIRST Robotics judge at regional competitions, opened "Uncle Will's School" for his staff during the pandemic, never met a stranger, was always willing to help others with decision making, and loved hanging out with his friends, Kathy, and their dogs – Al, Claire, Sandy, and Oliver. He was one of a kind and will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Will is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Kathryn. He is survived by Kathy Swanson and Oliver the Wonder Poodle; as well as his brother, Rick Shurtz (Jan); nephew, Ric Shurtz (Teresa) and godchildren, Megan, and Ryan; niece, Tanya Johnson; and her children, Tyler, Preston, and Jayna; as well as an abundance of true friends whom he held close to his heart.

Once a Marine, always a Marine. Full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery and a subsequent celebration of life will be scheduled separately over the next several weeks.

"… what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth…" ~ Linda Ellis

In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the San Antonio Food Bank, an organization and mission Will felt strongly about for over twenty-five years.

Until we meet again… Kathy