Dates
William Harrison Shaw III (“Bill”, “Big Daddy”) passed away early in the morning of September 20, 2017 of a stroke. Bill left this world very peacefully, and with no pain. He was blessed in his death, as he was in his life. His family, although deeply saddened, is so thankful that he did not suffer. Bill was 75 years old at the time of his death.
Bill, lovingly referred to as Big Daddy by his grandchildren, was born on October 31, 1941 to Mattilyn Tolbert Shaw and William H. Shaw Jr. His father passed away when Bill was only five years old and his mother later married Greg Hanes. Bill was raised by Mattilyn and Greg as well as his beloved Aunts, Oleen Shaw Halcomb, and Nell Shaw.
Bill graduated from Central High School, attended San Angelo College, and Sul Ross State University. He received a scholarship from A&M for running track but chose to attend Sul Ross where he spent 3 years riding bulls, clowning and making ranch deals. Bill’s passion for rodeo and ranching began with his high school years in FFA. Over the next decades, Bill was involved in numerous organizations that served the rodeo, ranching, and general community in West Texas. He served as a Board Member of West Texas Boys Ranch for over forty years, President of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo from 1993 to 1994, and was long-time member of the Irion County Volunteer Fire Department, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Cattle Feeders, and St. Paul Presbyterian Church, and was a loyal volunteer of San Angelo Relays. Bill was also the owner of Clayton Cattle Feeders out of Clayton, New Mexico, and spent many years raising goats, sheep, and cattle on his ranch in Mertzon, Texas. Countless memories, friends, and larger-than-life stories have been made over these years.
Bill measured life by his own “code of the West.” He never made a deal that didn’t give the other man a little more. His word was a handshake and his intention was always to help the partner as well as himself. When he came out with less and the other man benefitted more, that was a good deal. He made many deals in his lifetime in order to benefit the other man. He once bought some cows from a man wherein a little girl helped to load them in the trailer. The girl was crying and kissing her cow goodbye. He never forgot that deal. He raised a calf from that cow, and then loaded up the cow and took it back to the little girl. The girl’s tears of joy made that one of his favorite deals. He was the best in West Texas when it came to judging cattle. Bill loved ranching and West Texas, and left a lasting legacy in the ranching business. He endured numerous losses through his lifetime, but with his tenacity he overcame them all.
Even more than rodeo and ranching, Bill’s life was marked by love for his family. Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Verna Shaw of San Angelo and children: Colleen and David Hair, Michael Flynn and Pete Flynn III, all of San Angelo, Liz Tucker of Austin, and Patrick Flynn of Kerrville. He is survived by six grandchildren: Darcy Cauley, Sidney Tucker, Allie Eagle, Michaela Flynn, Jack Flynn, and Maggie Flynn, as well and his first great-granddaughter Kelbi Cauley, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Mike and Billy Smith from West Texas Boys Ranch, who became part of the family, and Mike’s wife Angela Smith and their children, Bryce and Elaina Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Shaw, Greg and Mattilyn Hanes, his uncle Bascomb (Smoky) Halcomb, his aunts Oleen Shaw Halcomb, Nell Shaw, Mamie Evans, and Helen Sutton, and his cousin John Jackson.
Bill was also preceded in death by his favorite four legged companions, Morgan, Isabelle and Quizzie. We are sure that they greeted him at the pearly gates with many kisses and only one question, “Did you bring us an ice cream cone from Chick-Fil-A?” Bill was known for his generosity, not just with his dogs, but with anyone in need. His friends and family will forever miss his contagious laughter, fun-loving spirit, and deep thankfulness for everything the Lord provided him.
Bill’s family would like to thank Dr. Minney and the staff at Shannon Medical Center, and Senior Care Center of San Angelo. Also, a special thank you to Nona Kennedy for all of her help over the years.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6-8pm at Spur Arena and the funeral service will be on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be sent to West Texas Boys Ranch, Irion County Volunteer Fire Department, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, or your favorite charity.