William Walter “Bill” Shelnutt

William Walter “Bill” Shelnutt, August 23, 1936 – June 28, 2016.

Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, friend to all who knew him, and a leader of young men and women nonpareil.

William Walter “Bill” Shelnutt

Bill was born in Birmingham, and was graduated from Woodlawn High School where he played for the City and County championship football teams, and was voted second team all-state honors. Although he was offered many college scholarships, Bill opted to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

After his Honorable Discharge, he continued to serve his community as a Birmingham Police Officer, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. After retirement from the force, Bill served as Chief of Police for the Jefferson State Police Department.  During all this time, and thereafter, Bill exercised the passion of his life – training young men and women to excel at athletics – especially track and field. He never got paid; his reward was seeing his young athletes excel.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Joyal and Bernice, and by a sister Jane Easter. He leaves behind his loving wife, Patsy, and their three children: Shay (Paige), Shane (Christy), and Shannon, (Tony); his brothers Robert “Bob”, and Joyal, “Budd”; his sisters Joy Edwards and Jill Hayes: as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and dear friends.

Services are to be held at the Palmerdale United Methodist Church, this Saturday July 2nd at 11 O’clock A.M. Officiating are the Reverend Kevin Payne, and the Reverend Tony Jones. In lieu of flowers make donations to Royal Family Kids Camp through Palmerdale Methodist Church, P.O. Box 192, Palmerdale, Al 35123.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. 2 Timothy 4:7