MARFA — Billy Riffe Shurley, of Marfa and San Angelo, died Wednesday, March 31, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church in Marfa. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 3, at the Sonora Cemetery directed by Kerbow Funeral Home.
Bill was born Aug. 15, 1926, to Rae Riffe Shurley and Edgar Derry Shurley. When Bill was 4 years old his mother died. His father married Ruth Tipton Shurley, and they had Bill's little sister, Derry Kay. They made their home on the family ranch south of Sonora. His parents, stepmother and second wife, Louellen Shurley, preceded Bill in death.
Bill played football and was in the marching band for the Sonora Broncos, was an Eagle Scout awarded the Order of the Arrow, and was an accomplished pianist. Bill was in the class of 1946 at Texas A&M University but was unable to graduate because he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as a gunner on the B-29 Superfortress. After the war, he received a B.S. degree in wool technology from the University of Wyoming, where he played football for the Wyoming Cowboys and was honored as a Little All American running back. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
In 1949, he married Jane Bryant and, upon his graduation, moved to Marfa where they began a long life of West Texas ranching. During which time, he lived a very full and diverse life, including recently receiving the Agricultural Conservationist of the Year award.
Bill passed down his love of sports, music and a sense of fun to his grandkids, his family said. " ‘Paw Paw' was so proud of their accomplishments; he loved to follow them as they competed in swimming, soccer, baseball, football, band, theater and singing. He was always there to saddle up Old Pinto for horseback riding, driving the infamous dune buggy, and hunting mule deer, quail and coyotes," the family said. "All of the grandkids cherish lessons learned and time spent with their grandfather."
Other highlights in Bill's life include his role as Ed Kerr in the Walt Disney movie, "Sancho the Homing Steer," narrated by Rex Allen, taken from a J. Frank Dobie story. Additionally, he was photographed as the Marlboro man for billboards and print ads, and he was a model for Ralph Lauren in fashion magazines.
However, his real passions were flying and being a cowboy.
Bill was a member of the AOPA since 1951 and the Quiet Birdsmen Association, who set a world record for towing four sailplanes simultaneously. He was also the tow pilot on the record-setting "Border to Border" flight of four sailplanes that flew from Mexico to Canada. He also was a member of the Commemorative Air Force.
Bill was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and loved steer roping and team roping. He was competing in the steer roping at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on the day of the first lunar landing.
Among his civic duties were being a member of the Marfa Independent School District Board of Trustees, the Marfa TV Cable Co. board, Presidio County Airport Board, Rio Grande Electric Co-op board and the University of Texas McDonald Observatory board. Bill was a long-time member and held many leadership positions at First United Methodist Church of Marfa.
Survivors include his children, Michael Shurley and wife Suzanne, Patricia Shurley Bodenhamer, and Rachael Shurley Nixon and husband Gene; his sister, Derry Kay Shurley Bosch; grandchildren Katheryn Shurley, Bryant Shurley and wife Christal, Emily Shurley and Benjamin Shurley, Chloe Bodenhamer Marriott and husband Derek, and Christian Bodenhamer; Hannah Jane Nixon Goodman and husband Creel, Asa Nixon and Caleb Nixon; great-grandchildren are Aislin Nixon, Riley Walker, Lexi Goodman, Sawyer Goodman, Kherrington Shurley, Grant Taylor-Shurley and soon-to-be-born Vivica Marriott. His godchild Jamie Steen also survives Bill. Special nieces and nephews surviving "Uncle Billy" are Doug Ridge, Jane Ridge Austin, Jimmy Ridge, Becca Ridge McKibbin, Bridget Bosch Adair and Alison Bosch.
Bill is also survived by Jane Bryant Shurley, the mother of his children and a lifelong friend.
Pallbearers were Bill's grandsons Bryant, Ben, Christian, Asa, Caleb and Creel. Honorary pallbearers are Britt Webb of Marfa, Glen Richardson of Sonora, Gen. (ret.) Chuck Yeager, Gen. Joe Engle, retired U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Babe Martoglio. Also honored were his surviving University of Wyoming football teammates Leroy Pearce, Dick Campbell and George Grace.
Bill's family thanks the Adult Enrichment Center of San Angelo for the love and care they extended to him; and to Comfort Keepers for the dignity they allowed him while he was in their care and in particular Anna and Aurora. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Vanderzant and the staff at Shannon's 6th-floor rehabilitation who helped him "beat" Parkinson's; Drs. Zobek, Gibson, Berger and Buchanan for the care they provided while he was in the hospital; Shannon's ER staff; and those caring professionals on the 5th floor, in the OR and in the 3rd floor ICU unit.
"You softened our heartbreak with your tenderness toward our father and your care for us," the family said. "Thank you."
Memorials may be made to the Adult Enrichment Center, 6146 Appaloosa Trail, San Angelo, TX 76901; West Texas Boys Ranch, 36 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903; Marfa EMS, the Marfa Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Marfa Public Library, all in Marfa, TX. 79843.
Many comments have been made about Bill, but one in particular stands out from one of his friends: "He had the most beautiful smile when he told you no. You just had to like him anyway!"
"There was always a twinkle, a perceptible tenderness and love for his fellow man in his eyes. That will always be with us; even now that he's finally been ‘turned out' into his Maker's green pastures. We will miss him…"
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church in Marfa. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 3, at the Sonora Cemetery directed by Kerbow Funeral Home.
Bill was born Aug. 15, 1926, to Rae Riffe Shurley and Edgar Derry Shurley. When Bill was 4 years old his mother died. His father married Ruth Tipton Shurley, and they had Bill's little sister, Derry Kay. They made their home on the family ranch south of Sonora. His parents, stepmother and second wife, Louellen Shurley, preceded Bill in death.
Bill played football and was in the marching band for the Sonora Broncos, was an Eagle Scout awarded the Order of the Arrow, and was an accomplished pianist. Bill was in the class of 1946 at Texas A&M University but was unable to graduate because he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as a gunner on the B-29 Superfortress. After the war, he received a B.S. degree in wool technology from the University of Wyoming, where he played football for the Wyoming Cowboys and was honored as a Little All American running back. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
In 1949, he married Jane Bryant and, upon his graduation, moved to Marfa where they began a long life of West Texas ranching. During which time, he lived a very full and diverse life, including recently receiving the Agricultural Conservationist of the Year award.
Bill passed down his love of sports, music and a sense of fun to his grandkids, his family said. " ‘Paw Paw' was so proud of their accomplishments; he loved to follow them as they competed in swimming, soccer, baseball, football, band, theater and singing. He was always there to saddle up Old Pinto for horseback riding, driving the infamous dune buggy, and hunting mule deer, quail and coyotes," the family said. "All of the grandkids cherish lessons learned and time spent with their grandfather."
Other highlights in Bill's life include his role as Ed Kerr in the Walt Disney movie, "Sancho the Homing Steer," narrated by Rex Allen, taken from a J. Frank Dobie story. Additionally, he was photographed as the Marlboro man for billboards and print ads, and he was a model for Ralph Lauren in fashion magazines.
However, his real passions were flying and being a cowboy.
Bill was a member of the AOPA since 1951 and the Quiet Birdsmen Association, who set a world record for towing four sailplanes simultaneously. He was also the tow pilot on the record-setting "Border to Border" flight of four sailplanes that flew from Mexico to Canada. He also was a member of the Commemorative Air Force.
Bill was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and loved steer roping and team roping. He was competing in the steer roping at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on the day of the first lunar landing.
Among his civic duties were being a member of the Marfa Independent School District Board of Trustees, the Marfa TV Cable Co. board, Presidio County Airport Board, Rio Grande Electric Co-op board and the University of Texas McDonald Observatory board. Bill was a long-time member and held many leadership positions at First United Methodist Church of Marfa.
Survivors include his children, Michael Shurley and wife Suzanne, Patricia Shurley Bodenhamer, and Rachael Shurley Nixon and husband Gene; his sister, Derry Kay Shurley Bosch; grandchildren Katheryn Shurley, Bryant Shurley and wife Christal, Emily Shurley and Benjamin Shurley, Chloe Bodenhamer Marriott and husband Derek, and Christian Bodenhamer; Hannah Jane Nixon Goodman and husband Creel, Asa Nixon and Caleb Nixon; great-grandchildren are Aislin Nixon, Riley Walker, Lexi Goodman, Sawyer Goodman, Kherrington Shurley, Grant Taylor-Shurley and soon-to-be-born Vivica Marriott. His godchild Jamie Steen also survives Bill. Special nieces and nephews surviving "Uncle Billy" are Doug Ridge, Jane Ridge Austin, Jimmy Ridge, Becca Ridge McKibbin, Bridget Bosch Adair and Alison Bosch.
Bill is also survived by Jane Bryant Shurley, the mother of his children and a lifelong friend.
Pallbearers were Bill's grandsons Bryant, Ben, Christian, Asa, Caleb and Creel. Honorary pallbearers are Britt Webb of Marfa, Glen Richardson of Sonora, Gen. (ret.) Chuck Yeager, Gen. Joe Engle, retired U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Babe Martoglio. Also honored were his surviving University of Wyoming football teammates Leroy Pearce, Dick Campbell and George Grace.
Bill's family thanks the Adult Enrichment Center of San Angelo for the love and care they extended to him; and to Comfort Keepers for the dignity they allowed him while he was in their care and in particular Anna and Aurora. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Vanderzant and the staff at Shannon's 6th-floor rehabilitation who helped him "beat" Parkinson's; Drs. Zobek, Gibson, Berger and Buchanan for the care they provided while he was in the hospital; Shannon's ER staff; and those caring professionals on the 5th floor, in the OR and in the 3rd floor ICU unit.
"You softened our heartbreak with your tenderness toward our father and your care for us," the family said. "Thank you."
Memorials may be made to the Adult Enrichment Center, 6146 Appaloosa Trail, San Angelo, TX 76901; West Texas Boys Ranch, 36 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903; Marfa EMS, the Marfa Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Marfa Public Library, all in Marfa, TX. 79843.
Many comments have been made about Bill, but one in particular stands out from one of his friends: "He had the most beautiful smile when he told you no. You just had to like him anyway!"
"There was always a twinkle, a perceptible tenderness and love for his fellow man in his eyes. That will always be with us; even now that he's finally been ‘turned out' into his Maker's green pastures. We will miss him…"
MARFA — Billy Riffe Shurley, of Marfa and San Angelo, died Wednesday, March 31, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church in Marfa. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 3, at the Sonora Cemetery directed by Kerbow Funeral Home.
Bill was born Aug. 15, 1926, to Rae Riffe Shurley and Edgar Derry Shurley. When Bill was 4 years old his mother died. His father married Ruth Tipton Shurley, and they had Bill's little sister, Derry Kay. They made their home on the family ranch south of Sonora. His parents, stepmother and second wife, Louellen Shurley, preceded Bill in death.
Bill played football and was in the marching band for the Sonora Broncos, was an Eagle Scout awarded the Order of the Arrow, and was an accomplished pianist. Bill was in the class of 1946 at Texas A&M University but was unable to graduate because he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as a gunner on the B-29 Superfortress. After the war, he received a B.S. degree in wool technology from the University of Wyoming, where he played football for the Wyoming Cowboys and was honored as a Little All American running back. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
In 1949, he married Jane Bryant and, upon his graduation, moved to Marfa where they began a long life of West Texas ranching. During which time, he lived a very full and diverse life, including recently receiving the Agricultural Conservationist of the Year award.
Bill passed down his love of sports, music and a sense of fun to his grandkids, his family said. " ‘Paw Paw' was so proud of their accomplishments; he loved to follow them as they competed in swimming, soccer, baseball, football, band, theater and singing. He was always there to saddle up Old Pinto for horseback riding, driving the infamous dune buggy, and hunting mule deer, quail and coyotes," the family said. "All of the grandkids cherish lessons learned and time spent with their grandfather."
Other highlights in Bill's life include his role as Ed Kerr in the Walt Disney movie, "Sancho the Homing Steer," narrated by Rex Allen, taken from a J. Frank Dobie story. Additionally, he was photographed as the Marlboro man for billboards and print ads, and he was a model for Ralph Lauren in fashion magazines.
However, his real passions were flying and being a cowboy.
Bill was a member of the AOPA since 1951 and the Quiet Birdsmen Association, who set a world record for towing four sailplanes simultaneously. He was also the tow pilot on the record-setting "Border to Border" flight of four sailplanes that flew from Mexico to Canada. He also was a member of the Commemorative Air Force.
Bill was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and loved steer roping and team roping. He was competing in the steer roping at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on the day of the first lunar landing.
Among his civic duties were being a member of the Marfa Independent School District Board of Trustees, the Marfa TV Cable Co. board, Presidio County Airport Board, Rio Grande Electric Co-op board and the University of Texas McDonald Observatory board. Bill was a long-time member and held many leadership positions at First United Methodist Church of Marfa.
Survivors include his children, Michael Shurley and wife Suzanne, Patricia Shurley Bodenhamer, and Rachael Shurley Nixon and husband Gene; his sister, Derry Kay Shurley Bosch; grandchildren Katheryn Shurley, Bryant Shurley and wife Christal, Emily Shurley and Benjamin Shurley, Chloe Bodenhamer Marriott and husband Derek, and Christian Bodenhamer; Hannah Jane Nixon Goodman and husband Creel, Asa Nixon and Caleb Nixon; great-grandchildren are Aislin Nixon, Riley Walker, Lexi Goodman, Sawyer Goodman, Kherrington Shurley, Grant Taylor-Shurley and soon-to-be-born Vivica Marriott. His godchild Jamie Steen also survives Bill. Special nieces and nephews surviving "Uncle Billy" are Doug Ridge, Jane Ridge Austin, Jimmy Ridge, Becca Ridge McKibbin, Bridget Bosch Adair and Alison Bosch.
Bill is also survived by Jane Bryant Shurley, the mother of his children and a lifelong friend.
Pallbearers were Bill's grandsons Bryant, Ben, Christian, Asa, Caleb and Creel. Honorary pallbearers are Britt Webb of Marfa, Glen Richardson of Sonora, Gen. (ret.) Chuck Yeager, Gen. Joe Engle, retired U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Babe Martoglio. Also honored were his surviving University of Wyoming football teammates Leroy Pearce, Dick Campbell and George Grace.
Bill's family thanks the Adult Enrichment Center of San Angelo for the love and care they extended to him; and to Comfort Keepers for the dignity they allowed him while he was in their care and in particular Anna and Aurora. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Vanderzant and the staff at Shannon's 6th-floor rehabilitation who helped him "beat" Parkinson's; Drs. Zobek, Gibson, Berger and Buchanan for the care they provided while he was in the hospital; Shannon's ER staff; and those caring professionals on the 5th floor, in the OR and in the 3rd floor ICU unit.
"You softened our heartbreak with your tenderness toward our father and your care for us," the family said. "Thank you."
Memorials may be made to the Adult Enrichment Center, 6146 Appaloosa Trail, San Angelo, TX 76901; West Texas Boys Ranch, 36 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903; Marfa EMS, the Marfa Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Marfa Public Library, all in Marfa, TX. 79843.
Many comments have been made about Bill, but one in particular stands out from one of his friends: "He had the most beautiful smile when he told you no. You just had to like him anyway!"
"There was always a twinkle, a perceptible tenderness and love for his fellow man in his eyes. That will always be with us; even now that he's finally been ‘turned out' into his Maker's green pastures. We will miss him…"
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at First United Methodist Church in Marfa. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 3, at the Sonora Cemetery directed by Kerbow Funeral Home.
Bill was born Aug. 15, 1926, to Rae Riffe Shurley and Edgar Derry Shurley. When Bill was 4 years old his mother died. His father married Ruth Tipton Shurley, and they had Bill's little sister, Derry Kay. They made their home on the family ranch south of Sonora. His parents, stepmother and second wife, Louellen Shurley, preceded Bill in death.
Bill played football and was in the marching band for the Sonora Broncos, was an Eagle Scout awarded the Order of the Arrow, and was an accomplished pianist. Bill was in the class of 1946 at Texas A&M University but was unable to graduate because he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as a gunner on the B-29 Superfortress. After the war, he received a B.S. degree in wool technology from the University of Wyoming, where he played football for the Wyoming Cowboys and was honored as a Little All American running back. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
In 1949, he married Jane Bryant and, upon his graduation, moved to Marfa where they began a long life of West Texas ranching. During which time, he lived a very full and diverse life, including recently receiving the Agricultural Conservationist of the Year award.
Bill passed down his love of sports, music and a sense of fun to his grandkids, his family said. " ‘Paw Paw' was so proud of their accomplishments; he loved to follow them as they competed in swimming, soccer, baseball, football, band, theater and singing. He was always there to saddle up Old Pinto for horseback riding, driving the infamous dune buggy, and hunting mule deer, quail and coyotes," the family said. "All of the grandkids cherish lessons learned and time spent with their grandfather."
Other highlights in Bill's life include his role as Ed Kerr in the Walt Disney movie, "Sancho the Homing Steer," narrated by Rex Allen, taken from a J. Frank Dobie story. Additionally, he was photographed as the Marlboro man for billboards and print ads, and he was a model for Ralph Lauren in fashion magazines.
However, his real passions were flying and being a cowboy.
Bill was a member of the AOPA since 1951 and the Quiet Birdsmen Association, who set a world record for towing four sailplanes simultaneously. He was also the tow pilot on the record-setting "Border to Border" flight of four sailplanes that flew from Mexico to Canada. He also was a member of the Commemorative Air Force.
Bill was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and loved steer roping and team roping. He was competing in the steer roping at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on the day of the first lunar landing.
Among his civic duties were being a member of the Marfa Independent School District Board of Trustees, the Marfa TV Cable Co. board, Presidio County Airport Board, Rio Grande Electric Co-op board and the University of Texas McDonald Observatory board. Bill was a long-time member and held many leadership positions at First United Methodist Church of Marfa.
Survivors include his children, Michael Shurley and wife Suzanne, Patricia Shurley Bodenhamer, and Rachael Shurley Nixon and husband Gene; his sister, Derry Kay Shurley Bosch; grandchildren Katheryn Shurley, Bryant Shurley and wife Christal, Emily Shurley and Benjamin Shurley, Chloe Bodenhamer Marriott and husband Derek, and Christian Bodenhamer; Hannah Jane Nixon Goodman and husband Creel, Asa Nixon and Caleb Nixon; great-grandchildren are Aislin Nixon, Riley Walker, Lexi Goodman, Sawyer Goodman, Kherrington Shurley, Grant Taylor-Shurley and soon-to-be-born Vivica Marriott. His godchild Jamie Steen also survives Bill. Special nieces and nephews surviving "Uncle Billy" are Doug Ridge, Jane Ridge Austin, Jimmy Ridge, Becca Ridge McKibbin, Bridget Bosch Adair and Alison Bosch.
Bill is also survived by Jane Bryant Shurley, the mother of his children and a lifelong friend.
Pallbearers were Bill's grandsons Bryant, Ben, Christian, Asa, Caleb and Creel. Honorary pallbearers are Britt Webb of Marfa, Glen Richardson of Sonora, Gen. (ret.) Chuck Yeager, Gen. Joe Engle, retired U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson of Wyoming and Babe Martoglio. Also honored were his surviving University of Wyoming football teammates Leroy Pearce, Dick Campbell and George Grace.
Bill's family thanks the Adult Enrichment Center of San Angelo for the love and care they extended to him; and to Comfort Keepers for the dignity they allowed him while he was in their care and in particular Anna and Aurora. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chris Vanderzant and the staff at Shannon's 6th-floor rehabilitation who helped him "beat" Parkinson's; Drs. Zobek, Gibson, Berger and Buchanan for the care they provided while he was in the hospital; Shannon's ER staff; and those caring professionals on the 5th floor, in the OR and in the 3rd floor ICU unit.
"You softened our heartbreak with your tenderness toward our father and your care for us," the family said. "Thank you."
Memorials may be made to the Adult Enrichment Center, 6146 Appaloosa Trail, San Angelo, TX 76901; West Texas Boys Ranch, 36 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903; Marfa EMS, the Marfa Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Marfa Public Library, all in Marfa, TX. 79843.
Many comments have been made about Bill, but one in particular stands out from one of his friends: "He had the most beautiful smile when he told you no. You just had to like him anyway!"
"There was always a twinkle, a perceptible tenderness and love for his fellow man in his eyes. That will always be with us; even now that he's finally been ‘turned out' into his Maker's green pastures. We will miss him…"
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